A Closer Look at the Toyota A750E Valve Body

FOR THE TRANSMISSION REBUILDING INDUSTRY
TM
A Closer Look at the Toyota
A750E Valve Body
USA Transmissions,
Making It Work
APRIL 2010
Sonnax has valve bodies
on the brain.
The valve body is the brains of a transmission.
That transmission isn’t fixed until the valve body is
right. And that means getting to the root cause of
the problem, not just treating the symptoms.
Nobody knows valve bodies like Sonnax. TM
Automatic Drive, P.O. Box 440, Bellows Falls, Vermont 05101-0440
800.843.2600 • 802.463.9722 • F: 802.463.4059
www.sonnax.com
EARS
G
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOR THE TRANSMISSION REBUILDING INDUSTRY
APRIL 2010
PHONE (805) 604-2000 FAX (805) 604-2006
Chief Executive Officer
Managing Editor Technical Director
Advertising
Senior Designer
Circulation
Contributing Editors
ATRA Technical Staff
Mike Brown
Pete Huscher
Randall Schroeder
Director of Membership & IT Svc
Seminars & Convention Manager
Bookstore Manager
Dennis Madden
Rodger Bland
Lance Wiggins
Frank Pasley
Jeanette Troub
Richard Hurley
A Closer Look at the
Toyota A750E Valve Body
Page 4
Steve Bodofsky
Thom Tschetter
Jeff Yarbrough
Bill Brayton
Steve Garrett
Jon Rodriguez
Mike Souza
Kelly Hilmer
Vanessa Velasquez
Shaun Velasquez
The views expressed in this publication should not necessarily be interpreted
as the official policy of the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA).
Publication of product information or any advertising does not imply recommendation by ATRA.
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Editorial and Business Offices
The Vess Brothers, Making it Work
in a Big Way, Texas Style
Page 30
A Closer Look at Vehicle Data
Communications
Page 22
SPECIAL INTEREST & TECHNICAL
4
10
18
22
28
30
40
45
47
49
A Closer Look at the Toyota A750E Valve Body — by Mike Brown
Keeping It Simple — by Mike Souza
WIT – A Decade of Excellence
A Closer Look at Vehicle Data Communications
— by Steve Garrett
Just Sit On It! — by Thom Tschetter
Making It Work: USA Transmissions
— by Rodger Bland
Playing with Fire: Building a 5-Volt Signal Generator
— by Jon Rodriguez
…One of Those Days — by Jeff Yarbrough
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS: Keep It Going!
— by Kelly Hilmer
ATRA's Powertrain EXPO 2010
DEPARTMENTS
2
53
58
64
64
FROM THE CEO: …What If It Doesn’t Work?
— by Dennis Madden
Powertrain Industry News
Shoppers and Classified
ATRA Seminars
List of Advertisers
2400 Latigo Avenue,
Oxnard CA 93030
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Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to:
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Issue #147 Printed in U.S.A. Copyright ATRA 2010
On The Cover: WIT –A Decade of Excellence
Feature story on Page 18
(Paid Advertisement)
FROM THE CEO
What If
T
It Doesn’t Work?
hings don’t always work out the
way you’d like them to, especially with transmission repair.
You rebuild a unit — a type you’ve
built a hundred times before — but this
one bounces… it doesn’t even make
it off the rack. Maybe you tried a new
procedure or component and it didn’t
work the way it was supposed to.
So what do you do? You try something else. You ask for advice. You read
up on the topic, looking for fixes for
similar problems. Maybe you go to a
tech seminar to look for the answer.
You know it can work; you’ve
rebuilt these units before without any
problem, so why won’t it work right
this time? In most cases it’s something
you missed or failed to do properly, or
a modification that backfired.
It doesn’t really matter what the
specific problem is: The fact is you’re
going to find it, and you’re going to fix
it; giving up isn’t an option.
But when it comes to business
problems, shop owners don’t always
exhibit that same determination. Too
often they explain away a poor month
or a bad quarter as something outside
their control: “The economy has just
killed business in this town,” they say.
And because they accept that premise,
they don’t take the steps necessary to
invigorate their businesses.
The problem with that is it isn’t
true: During my shop visits I’ll often
stop in at shops that are just a few blocks
from one another. In one shop they’ll be
sweeping the floor and emptying trash,
while the next one is packed. How
could the difference have anything to
do with the economy or regional issues
2
when the shops are so close to each
other? It can’t.
So if the problem isn’t regional or
economic, what is it? And why is it so
hard for shop owners to identify what’s
wrong, and what it’ll take to fix it?
That’s because there’s a difference
between identifying a problem on the
bench and one in your business model:
time.
Everything you do has a causeand-effect relationship. You flip the
switch on the wall and the light comes
on. Cause, effect. Usually, as with the
light switch, the cause and effect are
right next to one another, so it’s easy to
recognize the relationship.
The same is true with transmission repair. You replace a rolled seal
or a cracked ring, and now the clutch
applies. You know you found the cause
of your problem because it goes away
as soon as you install the new parts.
But in business there’s a huge time
delay between the cause and effect.
Changes you make today can take
months — even years — to realize
their full effect. That delay can make it
all but impossible to identify whether
you’re getting the desired effect from
the changes you made.
So at ATRA, we started to examine
the most successful — and not so successful — businesses in the industry.
We compared what they were doing,
and looked for what they had in common. From that, we were able to identify practices and procedures that provide the greatest rewards for transmission repair shops.
That led to the creation of ATRA’s
What’s Working program; a targeted
by Dennis Madden
members.atra.com
approach for discovering the differences between shops that are doing
well and those that are barely surviving.
Over the past five years we’ve learned
what works… and what doesn’t. There
are clear examples of this, regardless of
how big the shop is, how long it’s been
in business, or where it’s located.
That’s a critical consideration: It’s
far too easy to pour time and money into
additional marketing. But, because of
the delay between the cause and effect,
you may never know for sure whether
your investment worked or not.
That’s why the What’s Working
program is so valuable: Through our
industrywide sampling, we’ve been
able to identify the procedures that
provide the biggest bang for your buck,
and which ones are more likely to drain
your wallet, without ever producing the
results you were hoping for.
This year, the What’s Working program is going on-site to successful
shops across the country to see firsthand what they’re doing and how. We’ll
share their stories at this year’s ATRA
Powertrain Expo. And we’ll have some
of those successful shop owners on
hand to tell their stories and answer
your questions.
There are still some great opportunities in this industry. The trick to success is no different than at the bench.
You need to dig in and discover the
causes that provide the effects you’re
looking for. What if it doesn’t work?
You can learn what will… at Expo!
GEARS April 2010
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� A designated territory
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Auto Dynamics
Des Moines, IA
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Framingham, MA
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Ft. Dodge, IA
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Minneapolis, MN
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Manhattan, KS
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North/Central NE
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Omaha, NE
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Logan's Transmission
St Louis MO
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www.certifiedtransmission.com
A Closer Look at
the Toyota A750E
Valve Body
T
he Toyota A750E was first
introduced in the 2003
4-Runner and Land Cruiser,
and the Lexus LX400 and GX470.
Since then it’s become quite popular,
showing up in the Tacoma, Sequoia
and Tundra in 2005 and the FJ Cruiser
in 2007.
These transmissions have been on
the road for up to seven years and are
getting a lot of miles on them. With all
the cars using this transmission, there’s
no doubt you’ll be seeing it in the years
to come (figure 1).
A common complaint is the transmission falling out of gear when coming to a stop, sometimes so harsh that
it feels like someone has rear-ended
you. This happens because the trans has
fallen out of gear due to low pressure,
caused by a faulty SLT pressure solenoid. The ECM then ramps up the pressure to max and it slams back into gear.
Replace the SLT solenoid is the fix for
this concern. But before we get into
fixes let’s learn a little about this unit
Line Pressure
Specifications
Line pressure tap location and
4
by Mike Brown
members.atra.com
Figure 1
A750E/F Line Pressure Specifications
Condition
D Position
R Position
Idling
53-59 psi
73-84 psi
Stall
196-212 psi
188-205 psi
Figure 2
specifications (figure 2).
ATF Temperature Sensor
This transmission uses two temperature sensors, each with a different
function. The ECM uses ATF temperature sensor 1 to modify pressure control
for the clutches and brakes. If this sensor fails, the ECM will prevent upshifts
into fifth gear and lockup. The ECM
uses ATF temperature sensor 2 for shift
timing control when ATF temperatures
are high.
GEARS April 2010
A Closer Look at the Toyota A750E Valve Body
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
In some vehicles equipped with the
A750E, the MIL may light intermittently, and the computer may store DTC
P2742 in memory (Transmission fluid
temperature sensor 2 circuit low).
To diagnose this, monitor ATF
temperature sensor 2 and watch for it
to short to ground intermittently. When
the sensor shorts, ATF temperature sensor 2 will indicate 302ºF (150ºC). This
is usually due to a faulty internal wiring
harness; replacing the harness will correct the problem.
ATF temperature sensor 2 has two
blue wires; ATF temperature sensor 1
has two orange wires (figure 3).
6
Figure 6
Solenoid ID and
Location
ID
Solenoid Name
Parts Catalog Description
S1
Shift Solenoid A
3-Way Transmission Solenoid
Shift Solenoid B
Transmission Solenoid 3
This chart provides S2
the repair manual ID SR
Shift Solenoid E
3-Way Transmission Solenoid 2
for each solenoid in the SL1
Pressure Control Solenoid A
Clutch Control Solenoid 1
A750E transmission,
Pressure Control Solenoid B
Clutch Control Solenoid 2
and the part name and SL2
Pressure Control Solenoid D
Line Pressure Control Solenoid
description provided SLT
in the electronic parts SLU
TCC Pressure Control Solenoid Lockup Control Solenoid
catalog.
Figure 4 shows the solenoid ID and
working the A750E valve body. Two
location.
things that you need to do are:
1. Make sure you record the
Valve Body Disassembly
accumulator control pressure setting
There are a few procedures you
prior to removing the accumulator conshould always keep in mind when
trol valve (figure 5).
GEARS April 2010
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY CMY
K
A Closer Look at the Toyota A750E Valve Body
Figure 7
Figure 8
There’s no factory preset specification. From the factory setting, you can
turn the stepper in to provide a firmer
shift feel. Backing the stepper out will
offer a softer shift feel.
2. Make sure you record the primary regulator valve setting before
removing primary regulator valve from
the valve body. The tallest step will provide the highest base pressure reading;
the shortest step will provide the lowest
base pressure reading (figure 6).
Always inspect the valves and
springs thoroughly during disassembly.
Check the valves for scoring and make
sure the valve bore is clean. Pay close
attention to the valve layout, and make
sure you put them back in the way they
came out.
8
Figure 9
Exploded View Upper
Valve Body 1
Install the checkball in the C3
check valve lineup (figure 7). If you
leave this checkball out, the transmission won’t go into reverse.
Always check the B1 accumulator
in the upper valve body (figure 8). This
is where debris will build up. It can be
difficult to remove, but it’s important
to take it out and clean the bore thoroughly.
Exploded View Lower
Valve Body 1
The primary regulator valve and
the accumulator control valve are located in the lower valve body (figure 9).
Record the settings for these valves.
GEARS April 2010
Figure 10
Once you’ve recorded the settings, disassemble the lower valve
body, check the valves for scoring, and make sure the valve bore is
clean.
Always install the solenoid filter screen (figure 10) with the open
end up. The screen will snap into the separator plate when properly
installed. Install the torque converter check valve as shown.
Upper Valve Body 1 and 2 Checkballs
Figure 11
There are three sections to the
A750E/F valve body. Upper valve bodies 1 and 2 are the only valve bodies with
checkballs (figures 11 and 12).
All of the checkballs are composite.
Make sure the checkballs are in good
shape; replace any that are damaged or
have decomposed. All of the checkballs
are the same size: 0.217” (5.5mm).
The coast brake relay valve is located in upper valve body 2 (figure 12). Be
sure to remove, clean and inspect this
valve body.
Lower Valve Body 1
The purpose of the pressure limit
checkball is to exhaust pressure if it
becomes too high (figure 13). The limit
valve will blow off at about 300 PSI.
Now that we’ve covered all solenoids, control valves and checkballs in
the valve body, reassembling the valve
body should be a snap.
The A750E valve body isn’t difficult to work with. But without the
proper information and understanding,
you could easily cause yourself problems
later on. That’s why it’s so important to
have all the information close at hand.
It’s not just smart… it’s Street Smart!
Figure 12
Figure 13
GEARS April 2010
9
Keeping It Simple
Keeping It Simple
ATRA is now providing simplified schematics and
diagnostic procedures for some of today’s most
difficult diagnoses.
S
everal times when
handling a tech call
I forget the difficult
situations involved when
I ask a tech to back-probe
some wires and give me
the results. I’ll usually
get a response of; “Man
do you know where that
pin is located?” There are
times when explaining a
procedure over the phone
even while the tech and
I going over the same
wire diagram can still be
confusing.
What we’ve done
here at ATRA is put
together some simple
diagrams and procedures
to help make diagnosing
Dodge and Chrysler vehicles with the RE transmission less complicated.
These diagrams along
with their procedures
should make finding the
problems faster which
will save time and money
spent chasing wires. As
we all now how difficult
it is to get paid for diagnostic time.
The diagrams in figures 1 and 2 will have to
be determined by looking up the year make
and model of the vehicle
being worked on to know
whether the relay is powered up through the C1 or
C3 connector. The procedure for both figures
is the same; unplug the
PCM with the ignition key off, and
then jump voltage (always through a
10
by Mike Souza
members.atra.com
Figure 1
fusible link) to the connector pin found
in the wire schematic for the vehicle
being worked on. Then after jumping
a ground to the appropriate connector
GEARS April 2010
Figure 2
GEARS April 2010
11
Figure 3
Figure 4
Keeping It Simple
12
GEARS April 2010
Our commitment to quality
manufacturing and product
diversity is unsurpassed.
Raybestos Powertrain is
dedicated to the highest level
of service and products.
John says: “I don’t have to worry when I use your products in my car
or recommend them to others. These have got to be the best clutches,
steels and bands that I have used in the past 23 years. They have
stood the test of time and hard driving. Please keep up the high
standards of workmanship.”
964 East Market St., Crawfordsville, IN 47933 • Toll Free: 800-729-7763 • Fax: 765-364-4576 • Email: [email protected]
Figure 5
Figure 6
Keeping It Simple
14
GEARS April 2010
Figure 8
Figure 7
GEARS April 2010
15
Keeping It Simple
Basic Test For
TPS Or Speed
Sensor
Noise
Interference
Electro Magnetic
Interference
(EMI)
(AC Ripple)
Figure 9
pin, check the return voltage at the
pins shown. If necessary the positive
meter lead can be moved to the amps
jack then with the meter changed to DC
amps the same circuits can be checked
for load.
Figure 3 is a little different, the
2004 and up models do not require
voltage to be supplied to the connector.
The voltage for the relay is provided
by turning the ignition key on. Figure
4 is for diagnosing 2005 models with
the 48RE and a Transmission Throttle
Valve Actuator (TTVA). In figures 5
and 6 the electrical governor circuits
can be monitored either with a single
meter or any type of meter with dual
trace capabilities, and a pressure gauge.
With a scan tool and pressure gauge
16
as shown in figure 7 it can be quickly
determined as to which component is
working correctly.
Figure 8 will show basic procedures to use when questions arise on
“what if” the results of the test do not
agree with what should be the correct voltage or amperage in figures 1
through 3. Example: what if there is no/
low voltage on one of the pins? Then
the next procedure would involve one
of the steps in figure 8 which shows the
correct procedure for checking opens
or shorts. Figure 9 is a quick test for
checking interference on speed sensors or throttle position sensors for
EMI Electrical Magnetic Interference.
Problems from EMI may cause erratic
shifts and/or trouble codes.
These diagrams are derived from
information that has been carefully
compiled from industry sources known
for their reliability and should be accurate. Basically this means “we all know
why they put erasers at one end of a
pencil”. Always verify the circuits be
tested with factory manuals whenever
possible. Mistakes can be seen in several wire diagrams found in aftermarket
sources only to verify these mistakes
are copied right from the O.E. manuals.
Wire colors vary from module to module as well as year to year. Always identified the circuits that are being tested
by their connector pin identification.
GEARS April 2010
561
070
510
519
528
544
520
036
179
037
530
211
670
177
050
879
480
574 334B 337 862
334A 880
Input Shaft
Front Cover Plate
861
Body
110
891
140
892*
150
ecad
AD
Reverse Clutch
235* 616 241
053
596
054
27*
7
571
232
Underdrive Hub
873 238
584
e.
583
244 612 247
058
Input Planet
Reverse Planet
996
everse
sing
800-940-0197
760
895
429
317
897
271
[email protected]
Park
Gear
5-2
5-3 995
5-1
wl Assy.
or buy online at
www.wittrans.com
761
Case
Parts
370
438
370
436
Case
Input Clutch Hub
•OEManufacturer,AftermarketNew,
Remanufactured,&Used
•ClutchDrums
234 883 482 558
570
214
576
•Shafts
•FrontPumps
•Planets
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•CompleteLineof Miscellaneousparts
052
Reaction Planet
480 690
Hard Parts
220
e of S e r v i c
586
Automatic Transmission Parts
778
Stator
Pump
Parts
130
341 336 554
875 980
970
960
877
102
122
876
142*
013
StandardTransmissionParts
Input Clutch
•RebuiltKits
O.Dr. / Reverse
Retainer
Piston
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101
121
331
884
968
978 865
330
Rebuilt
Transmissions
Underdrive Clutch
141
863*
332
333
962
562
852
874
•Standards
ClutchParts
•Sach’s&ValeoClutchKits(New)
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TorqueConverters
O.Dr. Hub
Reverse Hub
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2nd / 4th Retainer
Converters
TransferCaseParts
644
SoftParts 592
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886
577
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888 887 285
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664
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Low Roller
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Input Ring
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Gear
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781
770 •Bearings
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074
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950
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926B
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M304317B
926
379
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352
Ext. Housing
•DetentCables
927
740
347
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352
•TransgoShiftKits
567
134
893 987 977
967
Low/Rev Clutch
494
493
010
342
420
846
961
378 047
507
777
560
971 051
300
540
740
746
741
765
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Parts
779
Remember that Old-Time Service?
782
Valve Body
371
7
www.wittrans.co
sion Parts, Inc.
Whatever It Takes Does!!!
A Decade of
Excellence
Charlotte Branch
T
en years ago a new parts supplier emerged into the transmission industry. Nestled on the
outskirts of Louisville, Kentucky this
small company of around forty employees was full of life. Dreams of a long
and prosperous future ran wild amongst
the anxious few, nervous about how
to survive in a market on the brink of
major technological advances, not certain what awaited them with the onset
of Hybrids, the CVT Transmission,
advanced electronics, and the evolution
of the valve body to name a few.
“It was a tough time for all parts
distributors, let alone a newcomer”
says WIT president and CEO Kenny
Hester. Fortunately for WIT that core
group of loyal employees proved to be
the cornerstone for this once small business with most of them having spent
ten, fifteen, and even twenty years in
the transmission industry. There was
certainly no shortage of expertise and
experience flowing through the halls of
this budding organization. “That kind
of experience made it easy to hit the
ground running” explained Kenny.
18
Today WIT proudly stands as one
of the top transmission parts suppliers
in the United States and believe they
are second to none in customer service
and customer satisfaction. “At the end
of the day it’s the customer that drives
us to where we need to be” says VP
/ Sales and Marketing Director Tom
Conroy. “They’ve brought us this far
and thanks to our ability to satisfy their
needs, they will continue to take us
where we want to go”.
Reaching new
heights…
WIT currently has 22 branch locations operating in 15 states across
the country and isn’t finished yet.
Averaging 2 or 3 locations per year
WIT has experienced 9 consecutive
years of growth and expansion. When
asked how they’ve managed to achieve
such extraordinary growth the answer
was unanimously consistent, “by listening to our customers”. Filling customer
needs and looking for every opportunity to make you, the customer more
efficient and profitable has long been
one of the base fundamentals of the
WIT philosophy.
WIT has made it their mission to
be a key contributor in the success of
every customer they serve. Too often
hearing the phrase, “back in the good
old days” or “back when”, they realized early on the basics of “old-time
service” and how much the customers
wanted to be treated like that again.
Simple things like getting deliveries
during the day and at night, a commitment to receiving credit for returns
within 24 hours, getting the proper
paperwork so you can better manage
your business, multiple brands of the
top quality parts you need, depth in
part coverage so you don’t have to shop
multiple suppliers, consistent pricing,
and even multiple options for account
terms and methods of payment to mention a few. All implemented from
listening to customers’ needs. Anyone
who doesn’t feel they get this level of
service has a broad range of contacts
from local managers, regional manager,
VP’s and even Kenny Hester, CEO, to
reach out to for help. “Any issue can be
resolved as long as we communicate”,
Kenny says.
GEARS April 2010
Accounting Reps
LR: Rhonda Ballard
and Susie Ranney look
on While supervisor
Theresa Shields
Explains a new process
to Help customers.
Accounting Reps
It’s very hard to differentiate
between the many parts suppliers in the
country today. Whether a small local
supplier with years of rapport in the
community or one of the largest international parts suppliers in the country
like WIT, they all put their parts on the
same way, many of them can sell you
what you need to get the job done. WIT
agrees all suppliers have great employees ready to serve the customer, sales
reps with 20 or more years in the industry, technical guys and builders that
have dedicated their lives to their craft,
buyers with strong powers of negotiation to keep us all competitive, right
down to an accounting staff poised and
ready to maintain your account. They
know because WIT employs some of
the best. “It all boils down to your core
philosophies and what you do with your
resources to best impact the well being
of your customers” says VP/CFO John
Huff.
Faith in the strength of its employees and the belief that every employee,
from top to bottom, has the ability to
affect the level of customer service, led
them to convert the company to being
employee owned in 2004. This change
instantly gave the WIT team the added
incentive, as owners, to go above and
beyond for the customer. “The ownership philosophy really took hold and
the customer reaped the benefits”, Tom
elaborated.
A good example of what it means
GEARS April 2010
to do Whatever It Takes for the
customer is worth noting. WIT
recently had a 4 skid stock order
due to ship out to one of its branch
locations. At the last minute the
trucking company called and was
unable to pick up the shipment
for delivery. Knowing this would
cause the store to run out of key
parts the customers would need
WIT management quickly found
a trailer, secured the skids, hooked
it to a pickup truck and down the
road it went. It certainly wasn’t
cost effective and it made a long
day for the driver who drove 6
hours one way to deliver the goods
while his teammates picked up
his slack in his absence, but it’s
what had to be done to ensure the
customer didn’t feel a disruption
in service.
Quality parts and depth of
parts are very important to WIT.
WIT believes one way they must
set themselves apart is by offering the most extensive full line of
inventory available on the market.
While focusing on their primary
lines Raybestos and TTK/Parker,
having multiple brands of the same
part helps them meet the needs of
more customers. The only exception to this would be that WIT only
carries CVC converters. They
believe CVC offers one of the best
converters on the market at a very
Amanda Newton, Florence Sales Office
Kim Casey
19
WIT – A Decade of Excellence
Purchaceing agents LR: Missy Dickson, Pat Olcott, Bill Aronhime, Marvina
Thompson, Learn about new products Wit is about to offer their customers
Pam McCullough,
Warehouse Supervisor
economical price. WIT is constantly
looking to strengthen their product line
offerings, a recent example being the
new relationships established between
WIT and the OE friction manufacturers
Exedy and Fuji.
WIT is one of the top suppliers of
OE products and their goal is to carry
more OE brands than anyone in the
country. “This is one of the most costly
parts of our business but it’s necessary
to give the customers what they ask
for” claims Rick Skaggs, VP / General
Manager. “Being able to offer the customer both TTK/Parker and Transtec
gasket sets, Raybestos, Borg Warner
and Dynax (by Exedy) friction plates,
or mix and match rebuild kits with
any combination of OE overhauls and
plates currently offered at WIT, helps
us to meet customer needs by offering
the product any way they want it” says
Tom Conroy, “Being the only company
we are aware of with this unique mix
and match offering helps us achieve
our goal of never having to tell the
customer no”.
This goes for hard
parts as well. WIT began immediately
in 2000 building the most extensive
hard parts inventory around, offering
everything from OE new, aftermarket
new, remanufactured and good used.
“We knew getting into the hard parts
business meant getting in deep” offers
Rick Skaggs, “Stocking the common
pumps, drums, planets and valve bodies simply doesn’t do it anymore. You
20
Shipping
have to have the pan bolts, the side pan,
shift linkage, or any other odd and end
part the customer needs to complete the
job, to be at the level of service we’re
committed to.”
…Then reaching
higher
WIT knows there’s much more
to service than great employees and
deep inventory. WIT has launched an
industry leading hard parts customer
service program. When customers tell
their sales reps about a problem they
are having with a hard part or a unit, the
rep will contact the technical team and
they call the customer directly to see if
they can assist. Customers can also call
and ask for technical assistance. This
is a great benefit to both WIT and the
customer. This helps us uncover issues
they may have internally and allows
them to implement permanent fixes as
well as develop product awareness to
the customers of common issues we
already know about.
Innovative tool design has become
another way WIT has found to round
out its endless level of customer service. Whether through partner organizations to bring the designs to life
or building it themselves WIT has
developed many new tools for use in
the industry, proudly boasting about
having five of the top ten tools in the
industry for the past two years. Some
of the winning tools were their 2006 –
2008 Automatic Transmission Guide,
2009/2010 Transmission Catalog,
2008/2009 Lipseal Installer, and the
2008/2009 Standard Transmission
Guide. When asked why they felt they
had to develop these tools WIT simply
felt like it was a combination of existing plastic tools breaking too easily or
there just wasn’t an effective tool to
do the job right, either way, they felt
responsible to make it better for the
shop owners and builders. Take the
catalog, when WIT started to develop
the catalog there wasn’t a photograph
quality picture catalog readily available
on the market. They took the reins
and began designing one. The more
detailed parts become, a good quality
photograph goes a long way in being
able to properly ID a part. The catalog
was a very expensive undertaking, but
the company stands ready to offer their
pictures and issue the rights to others so
the entire industry can benefit from it.
WIT just released the standard catalog
(pictures only) and the standard flip
chart in November 2009 with the full
text standard catalog available in the
future.
It’s easy to see the shops of today
becoming much more sophisticated and
professional than in the past. They’ve
had to learn how to handle the new
transmissions that have hit the market
and they’ve weathered the economical storm. “It’s hard to find a business that is doing more business today
GEARS April 2010
than they did two years ago, but we’re
proud to say we’re one of them” says
Kenny Hester. For all of those efforts,
WIT feels obligated to step up and
do their part. WIT is in the process
of becoming industry experts for the
new Hybrid technology. They plan
to use their knowledge to educate the
industry through seminars and product
bulletins.
Another big area of growth for the
company in the past several years has
been the accounting department. We
know how critical it is for shop owners
to be able to focus on your business
at hand and not have to worry about
what’s going on with your account.
From revamping the statement to having a highly trained staff ready to
address any concerns you have, it’s
one more way WIT is striving to make
improvements and prove that every
aspect of the customer’s business is of
the utmost importance to them.
Where Do You Go
From Here
Growth is still at the top of the list
for WIT. There are plans to expand to
more cities in 2010. WIT has managed
its growth from nearly every aspect
imaginable, from grand openings,
acquisitions, to expanding distributor
relationships. “I never stop looking for
an opportunity” claims David Bailey,
VP / Branch operations manager, “The
key ingredient to have in any city is
someone with good parts knowledge
and sales ability to work the local market. We’re always on the lookout for
the right person and we encourage anyone that believes they are a fit to reach
out to us.” David quickly pointed out
that many of these people have sought
the company out rather than the other
way around, which makes his job a lot
easier.
Diversity is the other growth opportunity WIT is exploring. They already
own a printing company that can handle
printing needs from T-shirts to floor
mats. They print checks, invoices, banners, posters, and signs. They also offer
one of the nicest two-sided business
cards available. The best part is it’s all
discounted for the transmission industry. One more endeavor to help the
industry as a whole. While this company is based in Louisville, Kentucky,
GEARS April 2010
Shipping
that doesn’t stop
them from servicing everyone. They can
ship anything
you order to you
via UPS, or if
you are serviced
locally
from
a WIT store
they’ll send it
to the branch
location on a
stock truck and
Atlanta Salesman, Greg Pascal, with Manager, Michyle Parr
deliver it to you
with your next
parts order. Brochures are
available to show their entire
offering.
Through commitment to
the customers, the industry,
and the employee owners
WIT has left a lasting impression in the industry over the
past decade. Becoming more
than a parts house, more than
a just another place to work,
WIT has shown that they are
here to stay, here to make the
industry better for all of us.
What does the future hold for
WIT? Time will tell, but one
thing’s for sure, the possibilities are endless.
Algie Waddell, Florence Warehouse
21
A Closer Look at Vehicle Data Communications
A Closer Look
at Vehicle Data
Communications
by Steve Garrett
members.atra.com
T
hrough the years we’ve come
to depend on the information we can collect with a scan tool. And
through those years, the
data communication
systems or data buses
have become more
complex. With OBDII, many of us hoped
that the data bus would
be standardized and that
all our problems would
be solved. No such luck.
Today’s vehicles use a
variety of data transmission protocols. This forces scan tool manufacturers to constantly adapt their software
to those changes. This can be quite a
challenge, even if they’re working with
a single brand of vehicle. Let’s look at
GM as an example: GM has used all
of these data communication protocols
over the years:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
22
U A RT
(Universal
Asynchronous Receive and
Transmit)
E&C (Entertainment and
Comfort)
SBI (Simple Bus Interface)
SPI
(Serial
Peripheral
Interface)
LIN (Local Interconnect
Network)
Keyword 81,82 and 2000
Class 2
CAN
(Controller
Area
Network) or GMLAN (General
Motors Local Area Network)
Figure 1
With the average GM vehicle
containing more than a mile of wire,
dozens of computers, hundreds of connectors, and thousands of terminals,
the need for a standardized diagnostic
system became imperative. A new system was introduced for the 2010 model
year on the Chevrolet Camaro, Cadillac
SRX, GMC Terrain, Buick Allure and
LaCrosse. The new platform, known as
the Global Diagnostic System or GDS,
will be introduced in all GM vehicles in
2010/2011 models.
The new diagnostic system still
uses several communication protocols
from previous models, but it will also
GEARS April 2010
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10/23/09 10:34:03 AM
A Closer Look at Vehicle Data Communications
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
vary greatly when it comes to diagnostic processes and equipment. To understand the typical Global Architecture
(Global A) we’ll need to look at the
data bus and its operation. The standardized, 16-pin DLC connector that
you connect to your scan tool will have
these pin assignments (figure 1):
Pin 1 — Low Speed GM LAN
Pin 3 — Mid Speed GM LAN; +
terminal
Pin 4 — Scan Tool Ground
Pin 5 — Common Ground
Pin 6 — High Speed GM LAN; +
terminal
Pin 11 — Mid Speed GM LAN; –
terminal
Pin 12 — Expansion Bus High
Speed GM LAN
Pin 13 — Expansion Bus High
Speed GM LAN
Pin 14 — High Speed GM LAN;
– terminal
Pin 16 — Scan Tool Power B+
The primary function of the vehicle data bus is still communication
between the different control modules.
GM has used several different data bus
24
configurations, including:
Ring Network — Connects each
module through a serial data line.
Star Network — Serial data lines
from all the modules are connected at a
single point; typically a splice pack.
Ring/Star Hybrid — A combination
of the two common bus configurations.
•
•
•
Let’s take a look at some of the
basics for a GM data bus system:
Power Moding — Power moding
was introduced on GM vehicles many
years ago to reduce electrical loads,
wiring, and improve module response
time during wakeup. Years ago, GM
modules required a wakeup signal for
the module to come on line. This was
typically accomplished using an input
from the ignition switch.
In today’s vehicles, wakeup is
accomplished by an assigned Power
Mode Master module (PMM). The
PMM is typically the BCM or DIM.
The PMM receives the input from
the ignition switch and then relays
that information to the other modules
through serial data on the data bus.
Messages to the modules include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Off/A Sleep — Modules need
to power down.
Off Awake — Modules need
to wake up and get ready for
work.
RAP (Retained Accessory
Power) — Modules that are
used after the key is turned
off but before the door is
opened should stay awake for
a set period of time; all others
should sleep.
Accessory — Modules that
are used when the key is in the
accessory position should stay
awake.
Run — All modules should be
awake.
Crank — Modules that are
used for cranking the engine
should wake up while all others should continue to sleep.
Gate Way Module — Since 1986,
many GM vehicles have used a master
module to control data transmission
on the bus. With a CAN/GM LAN
network, the BCM typically acts as the
gateway or master control module. The
GEARS April 2010
gateway module translates and prioritizes the messages sent on the bus. In
other words, the BCM acts as the interpreter and traffic cop for the system.
CAN/GM LAN — The CAN data
bus isn’t new, but it’s becoming more
common throughout the industry. GM
has its own version of the CAN system known as the GM LAN. The GM
LAN supports three types of bus configurations: low speed (33.3 kilobits per
second), mid speed (95.2 kilobits per
second) and high speed (500 kilobits
per second) data transmission.
The high speed bus (figure 2) consists of a twisted wire pair that transmits
a voltage signal that switches high and
low to create the data signal. The high
speed GM LAN bus is terminated with
a pair of 120 ohm resistors. One line is
driven high (3.5 volts) while the other
data line is pulled low (1.5 volts) in a
specific sequence to create the signal.
With a CAN-type system, each
message is assigned a unique identifier to classify the type message and
its priority. Each module on the bus
processes only the messages related to
the identifiers stored in the module’s
programmed listing. If more than one
module is trying to communicate at the
same time, priority is assigned to the
message that has the greatest importance.
The mid speed GM LAN bus (figure 3) is very similar in operation to the
high speed circuit, with one exception:
the controllers attached to it. The mid
speed GM LAN uses the same type of
message transmission protocols that the
high speed system does. The mid speed
bus consists of a twisted wire pair that
transmits a voltage signal that switches
high and low to create the data signal.
The mid speed GM LAN bus is terminated with resistors.
Network (LIN) is used to reduce the cost
of data bus communications. The LIN
is a single-wire network that toggles
between system voltage and ground to
produce series of voltage pulses.
Multiple LIN circuits are used in
GM vehicles. A LIN circuit doesn’t
connect directly to the DLC; it communicates with various sensors, actuators
and modules on its own circuit.
An example of a LIN circuit would
be the power windows on a late model
GM (figure 5). The window switch
commands the driver or passenger
door control module to open or close
the window. The module performs the
commanded operation while communicating with other modules regarding the
action it performed.
GM Expansion Bus — This bus
circuit can be referred to by many different names, but the function is the
same. The expansion bus is designed to
reduce the congestion on the high speed
bus. By adding a bus that is designed
and functions the same as the high
speed bus reduces the amount of traffic
on the primary high speed bus. This is
like adding parallel freeway to reduce
traffic congestion in a large city.
With the global architecture, lots of
things have changed. For decades tech-
The low speed GM LAN is a singlewire circuit that replaced the class 2
data circuits on many GM vehicles
(Figure 4). The GM low speed LAN is
bidirectional and operates at three times
the speed of a class 2 communication
circuit. The circuit toggles from 0-5
volts. To wake up the modules on the
bus, the voltage level is pulsed to 10-12
volts. The modules are connected in
parallel on the low speed bus.
LIN — The Local Interconnect
GEARS April 2010
25
A Closer Look at Vehicle Data Communications
nicians have used the Tech 2 scan tool
to help diagnose vehicles. With Global
A vehicles, the Tech 2 will no longer
function. GM now uses a PC-based
program known as GDS or Global
Diagnostic System (figure 6) to interface with the vehicle. This means you
need to ask your scan tool manufacturer
if your scan tool will be compatible
with this new system. Lots of other
areas have also changed, including:
• Swapping computers for test
purposes can cause major problems.
While this isn’t new with some GM
vehicle platforms, it’s an issue with
all Global A applications. Swapping
an ECM, BCM, EBCM, SDM, ECC,
IPC as well as many other modules can
prevent the engine from starting or set
trouble codes. In some instances you
won’t be able to clear these codes.
The modules are all coded with
specific ID information codes when
they’re programmed at the assembly
plant. So modules that have nothing
to do with starting the engine can
prevent it from starting. In addition,
other symptoms may occur such as the
IPC odometer reading “----,” the radio
displays “Locked,” or “service the theft
system” is displayed on the DIC.
Not only do the Global A vehicles
use controller security codes to prevent
vehicle theft, they also use a new type
of coding known an Environmental ID.
This type of coding is designed to prevent someone from stealing a vehicle
by swapping modules and keys. The
Immobilizer Master (BCM) identifies
itself to the other modules. If it has
the correct ID, the other modules will
respond with a specific Environmental
ID code. The BCM will look at all the
modules’ Environmental IDs and, if
they’re correct, it’ll allow the vehicle
to operate.
• Reprogramming is sequential.
This means that several controllers are
updated at the same time in a specific
sequence to prevent software conflicts.
Typical programming now requires a
lot of data to be transferred (typically
10-40 MB). Programming will take
much longer than in the past (up to an
hour).
In addition, to protect the modules
from unauthorized programming (non
GM), the assembly plant uses a process
known as Seed and Key. The assembly
plant installs a specific Seed value
during plant programming. When the
module is connected to reprogramming
equipment, that equipment must provide a specific Key value or the module
won’t accept the program.
• Many modules require a specific setup procedure to relearn component and system values.
• Many modules require a security code configuration procedure for
the module to operate properly. If the
configuration codes aren’t installed,
some modules will lock out immediately, while others will initially operate and then lock out after several key
cycles or after battery power has been
removed. This could lead to a customer
complaint because the engine won’t
start or other conditions after you performed a repair.
Well as you can see times are still
changing… until next time, remember:
“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
Figure 6
26
GEARS April 2010
PRODUCT
PRODUCT
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ALERT
ALERT
BULLETIN
BULLETIN
PRODUCT
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PRODUCTALERT
ALERT
ALERT
ALERTBULLETIN
BULLETIN
BULLETIN
BULLETIN
GENERAL
GENERAL
GENERAL
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MOTORS
MOTORS
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700-R4/4L60,
700-R4/4L60,
700-R4/4L60,
4L60-E,
4L60-E,
4L60-E,
4L65-E
4L65-E
4L65-E
700-R4/4L60,
700-R4/4L60,
700-R4/4L60,
4L60-E,
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Aftermarket
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Phone
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954-364-2400
954-364-2400
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954-364-2401
954-364-2401
Phone
Phone
Phone
954-364-2400
954-364-2400
954-364-2400 Fax
Fax
Fax
954-364-2401
954-364-2401
954-364-2401
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8/1/2007
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PMPMPM
Just Sit
On It!
R
ecently I was watching an
old episode of “Happy Days”.
Two things occurred during
the show that I felt were a clear message to me to re-release my Yellow
Pages report, Avoiding the Yellow
Pages Money Pit.
The first thing was hearing the
various characters in the show use
the phrase, “Just sit on it!” as their
way of telling someone to “Kiss off!”.
The second was a DEX Yellow Pages
commercial that ran during one of the
breaks. It was the one where the
character that plays the role of a talking Yellow Pages Directory ends up
serving as a booster seat for one of the
children in the commercial.
The thought that occurred to me
was that the phrase “Just sit on it!” was
exactly the way most people today use
phone books…they make great booster
seats.
“The Avoiding the Yellow Pages
Money Pit report is a Yellow Pages
salesperson’s worst nightmare”. They
even try to twist the facts and concepts
in an attempt to discredit the report,
itself. Let me assure you, the information in this report is true and accurate.
28
The source of most of the information
is the Yellow Pages companies, themselves. The report simply presents it
with a different spin, one that will help
you see the other side of the Yellow
Pages sales pitch.
Here is the story of how I first came
into possession of some of the moneysaving tips in my report, and what lead
to my quest to learn everything I could
about the Yellow Pages.
One cold rainy Northwest evening
back in 1995 I had a serendipitous
encounter with the person who first
told me about the other side of the
Yellow Pages. As we huddled in an I-5
roadside café and warmed ourselves
over our steaming coffees, we began
to talk about our respective businesses.
He, an advertising consultant and I, an
auto repair service business owner with
a BA in Business and Marketing, had
established an instant rapport.
Well, when he said that he was
in advertising, I couldn’t wait to tell
him about our company’s marketing
and advertising strategy. I was very
proud of how our small regional chain
of auto repair centers had grown in
the recent years. In fact, the U.S.
by Thom Tschetter
Chamber of Commerce had just selected us as the number one small business
in Washington State. I was receiving
a number of invitations to speak on
marketing at various trade association
seminars, workshops, and conventions.
It was fun and exciting. We were growing and I was getting the opportunity to
not only publicly brag about it, but to
get paid for doing it. It was time for me
to be taken down a peg.
Until that evening, I thought I
knew plenty about marketing automotive service and repair types of businesses. It was obvious to me that
people don’t typically think about car
repairs unless they’re having a problem. Only when the problem or pain
forces them to do something about it
will they act, and it seems logical that
they will refer to the Yellow Pages to
decide who to call or where to go. With
this in mind, I believed that the Yellow
Pages provided the single most important facet to our advertising strategy.
We purchased the largest Yellow Pages
display advertising we could afford, as
well as purchasing additional features
like color and additional listings under
every classification heading that even
remotely related to our business.
Again, I was proud of how dominant our business was in the Yellow
Pages. At that time, we were in several
directories serving our various marketing areas, and spending a combined
total of over $70,000 per year. Some of
our shops were actually spending more
on the Yellow Pages than they were on
their shop leases. While intuitively, I
had always thought of the Yellow Pages
as a “necessary evil”, I simply could
not conceive our not using them to the
GEARS April 2010
GEARS April 2010
7% advertising cost. I don’t know very
many automotive repair shops that can
afford an overall ad budget of 7% – let
alone putting it all into just the Yellow
Pages!
The report is packed with many
more eye-popping facts as well as tips
to save big money the next time your
Yellow Pages Rep comes knocking.
Join the hundreds of business owners
who have saved and continue to save
thousands of dollars every year on
their Yellow Pages. Contact the ATRA
Bookstore today to order your very
own copy of Avoiding the Yellow Pages
Money Pit.
Your Technical Information Super Store
To Information
Order Call 805-604-2020
Your Technical
Super Store
2400 Latigo Ave Oxnard, CA 93030
To Order Call 805-604-2020
2400 Latigo Ave Oxnard, CA 93030
An Insider Reveals
An to
Insider
Reveals
How
Reduce
Your Costs
How toand
Reduce
Your
Costs
Increase
Your
and Increase
Your
Response
Response
r
Avoiding
Avoiding
le
a
S
nale 0
O
S
On $4.00.00
The
0
4
The
$
Yellow
Pages
Yellow Pages
Money
Pit!
Money Pit!
te
fullest extent.
We also had a modest advertising budget for direct mail, radio, and
cable television. Even though these
types of media were working for us, we
were convinced that the Yellow Pages
represented our best form of advertising. After all, when we surveyed our
customers, most of them told us that
they looked us up in the Yellow Pages.
I thought we had designed the best
advertising plan possible within our
limited budget.
Well, my new friend just took a
deep breath, sat back in his chair, and
offered a long, sincere, all-knowing…
sort of an “I’ve heard this many times
before” smile. With this he began to tell
me all anyone ever needs to know about
Avoiding the Yellow Pages Money
Pit. In that one evening, he taught
me enough money saving strategies to
save our company over $30,000.00 in
the first year, alone!
You see he was a sales rep for a
major Yellow Pages company before
becoming an advertising consultant.
He not only knew the inside sales
tricks, schemes, and gimmicks of the
trade, but he had even helped develop
some of them. He also knew what the
Yellow Pages companies tell us and
more important, what they don’t tell
us.
Since that night, I have conducted additional research and have interviewed other former Yellow Pages
representatives. I’ve also presented
this information in my marketing seminars. I’ve received feedback from my
students and clients, and their stories
further confirm that this information
saves them thousands of dollars - year,
after year, after year. This report will
provide you with the information you
need to be an informed Yellow Pages
buyer rather than a victim of the Yellow
Pages Money Pit.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect
of the report is that almost all the information that is contained in it comes
from the Yellow Pages Companies
and the National Yellow Pages Sales
Association, themselves. All I’ve done
is taken a more critical look that their
own statements and the statistics they
quote. What I’ve discovered is that
even if their claims are true, they don’t
make good business sense.
Here’s just one example. They
say that the typical business gets $14
in sales for every $1 they spend in the
Yellow Pages. On the surface, that
sounds like a good deal, but that’s over
Pr
esP
ern
e
of tseedn
Por btey
of fiP dTb
trbo hyo
ofio Tmh
tsbt Tos
o.co mch
osmt Te
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m ret
The report is packed
with many more
eye-popping facts as
well as tips to save
big money the next
time your Yellow
Pages Rep comes
knocking.
29
Making It Work
I
n an examination of shops that
are making it work, no discussion
would be complete without taking
a closer look at USA Transmissions; a
5-store transmission repair operation
northwest of Houston, Texas.
USA Transmissions is owned and
operated by Gary and Gerald Vess.
They have five shops, in Cleveland,
Conroe, Huntsville, Livingston, and
Lufkin, Texas.
Today, USA Transmissions is a
model for operating a successful, small
transmission repair chain. But before
we examine their success strategy, it’d
be worth taking a brief look at how they
got here.
The Vess History
Gary and Gerald’s father, Gary
Sr., opened the first of the family’s
transmission shops back in 1981. He
Marvin Hurley, Livingston shop manager
30
The Vess Brothers,
Making it Work
in a Big Way,
Texas Style
opened under the name AARMCO
Transmissions, a name they used up to
about 6 months ago, when they opened
a shop near an existing AAMCO center. It didn’t take long before the larger
chain contacted them, demanding they
stop operating under the similar-sounding name. Rather than get bogged down
by a long, costly courtroom battle,
the Vess family changed their business
name to USA Transmissions.
Brandon Clark, Regional Manager
GEARS April 2010
www.transmissionkits.com
Where to go when you want to know.
Precision International’s “state-of-the-part,” interactive website, www.transmissionkits.com, is like having one of the world’s
foremost transmission repair experts working by your side. You’ve got questions? It has answers. You have installation problems?
It has solutions. Need a part or kit pronto? Look it up. All you have to do is click.
Helpful how-to videos
Our website puts a wealth of valuable information at your fingertips, including continually
updated how-to video seminars featuring renowned transmission expert John Parmenter.
A transmission shop owner and prominent industry authority, John presents helpful
solutions to many of today’s most prevalent and pressing transmission repair problems
with new videos being added every few months.
The answers you seek
Who can you turn to in times of trouble? Our website’s Question & Answer Forum, of
course. There you can get the answers you need from leading experts. The kind that can
save you a lot of time, money and headaches. You can also sign up for our “Problem Solver”
e-mails that will give you more helpful tips on transmission repair.
www.transmissionkits.com
Our complete catalog
Whatever make, model or year transmission you’re working on, we’ve got the best parts
and kits to fix it. All cross-checked against the latest OEM specs (with changes noted and
made). All OE quality or better. And all guaranteed to work. Plus, our huge inventory and
state-of-the-art warehousing capabilities virtually assure immediate delivery. So go ahead.
Take our website for a test-drive and feel the awesome power it can put in your hands.
The Problem Solvers.
14 Todd Court Extension, Yaphank, NY 11980
(631) 567-2000 • Fax (631) 567-2640 • Toll Free: 800-872-6649
Florida Office: 6790 Hillsdale Point, Boynton Beach, FL 33437
(561) 734-2332 • Fax (561) 734-2375
E-mail: [email protected] www.transmissionkits.com
309-PRE-082 Transmission Digest....03/10/10 Gears Magazine
APRIL 2010
USA Transmissions, Houston Area, Texas
Livingston crew L-R Louis Sanchez,
Lee Stevenson, Ed Acker
While still in high school, Gary
and Gerald went to work for their
father, working their way through the
ranks to learn the business.
But neither of the brothers was particularly enamored with the transmission repair business — or perhaps it was
more about working in a family owned
environment — so they each moved on
to other businesses. Gary went to work
for a uniform company, while Gerald
opened a quick lube store.
Over the next few years, the two
brothers moved around a bit, and took
on different jobs and responsibilities.
Gerald closed his quick lube store and
went to work for a transmission shop in
Cleveland, Texas. Then he went back to
work with his father in the AARMCO
shop behind their house.
Gary left the uniform company to
run the transmission shop in Cleveland
after Gerald left.
With each move, the Vess brothers
learned something new that would come
into play in the not-to-distant future as
co-owners of USA Transmissions.
32
Cleveland crew L-R Doliver Valle, Terry Teufel,
Paden Reed
In the late ’90s, Gerald began dabbling in real estate with a partner. The
two opened three tire stores called Tire
Express; this is where Gerald first got
the idea of turning the family transmission shop into a multishop operation. It
would still be a few years before this
idea would pan out.
In 2003, Gary Jr. and Gerald
opened a second transmission shop in
Huntsville, Texas, called Transmissions
Etc. In addition to transmission repair,
the brothers sold just about anything
there that they could get their hands
on.
A year later, Gary bought out his
brother, and took over the Huntsville
store.
Meanwhile, Gerald and a partner
had opened a tire store called Tiremax.
Business was good; so good that they
opened additional stores. They eventually grew to 10 locations. This experience opened Gerald’s eyes to the
processes and benefits of operating a
franchise-style operation.
In 2007, the brothers took a trip
to Expo, to attend the What’s Working
seminar program. At the time they
had three shops, including a Tiremax
owned by Gerald. Gerald had just purchased a billboard located between the
shops. During the flight to Expo, the
two decided that it’d be smart for
them to share the billboard, and put
all the phone numbers on it. This was
the beginning of their joint business
venture.
5 Recurring Traits
While at Expo, they learned about
the 5 Recurring Traits of the most
successful businesses. They realized
that the first trait — Attitude — was
one neither had embraced yet. Gerald
claims it was after this realization that
he first fell in love with transmission
repair.
Next they began to examine their
business plan and set goals: the second recurring trait. It wasn’t long after
that they decided to merge their businesses into one company. And that
was the catalyst for turning those two,
GEARS April 2010
Celebrating 50 years in the
transmission industry!
SUPPLIER
MEMBER
USA Transmissions, Houston Area, Texas
Conroe crew L-R Jeffery Dickerson, Scott Yesh,
Russell Wimbrough
independent shops into the business
that USA Transmissions is today.
Once they had their plans made,
they began to create the processes and
put the systems in place to make them
work; Trait 3. They took what they
learned at Expo, and added it to what
they’d learned in their careers with the
tire and quick lube companies, and put
their ideas on paper.
They surrounded themselves with
the best people they could find —
Trait 4 — and then they were ready
for the last of the 5 Traits: to pull the
trigger. They opened their fourth shop
in Lufkin in 2008, and their fifth in
Conroe in June, 2009.
Why It Works
One of the things that makes USA
Transmissions work is that its owners
mesh so well together. Gary, the older
brother, likes the hands-on approach of
managing the day-to-day operations of
the shops. Gerald is more of an entrepreneur, preferring to handle the busi34
ness end of the company.
So while Gary is making sure the
shops maintain their standards for quality and competence, Gerald is out selling their name and their brand to the
surrounding communities.
One of the biggest difficulties faced
by shop owners is focus: Their attention
usually wavers after they open the shop
doors. Before the shop opens, all they
do is think about the business: how to
advertise it, which business model to
put in place, and how to keep customers
coming back.
But after the shop opens, too many
shop owners find themselves overwhelmed by the day-to-day distractions
associated with the business. A technical problem here, a customer complaint
there, and all you do is put out fires.
That’s the great beauty of the Vess
family situation. While Gary handles
those daily issues of running the business, Gerald remains free to address
the business at large; creating new ways
to keep their name in front of potential
customers. It’s a terrific situation that’s
paying off in a big way.
The Chain Mentality
If you walk into any USA
Transmissions shop, you’ll notice that
everything is clean, neat and well organized. More importantly, if you stop by
a second shop, you’ll see that everything is pretty much the same as it was
in the first shop. The shops look the
same, and they feel the same.
One of the things that both brothers discovered during their stints with
the franchise world is the value of
repeatability. Maintaining a standard
of appearance creates an identity for
the shop, enhances the comfort of the
customers, and helps the management
identify and correct problems quickly.
In fact, Gary and Gerald have a
general manager for their shops, and
one of his jobs is to visit each shop
regularly. During his visits he carries
a clipboard with a 50-point checklist.
The GM looks over each item on the
GEARS April 2010
USA Transmissions, Houston Area, Texas
Huntsville crew L-R Chris Pennington,
Billy Minshew, Eder Dalie
checklist, and identifies whether the
item is good or needs attention.
This makes it easy to maintain
a level of consistency and quality in
the shops appearance and workflow.
And it highlights any possible issues
right away… before they can turn into
problems.
Another benefit of the chain mentality is the ability to combine costs,
such as the cost of advertising. While
most chain store owners would probably complain about the cost of their
advertising pool, there’s little doubt
about just how much bang they get for
their buck.
With five stores sharing the load,
each USA Transmissions shop benefits
from far more advertising than it could
afford on its own. Each ad in the Yellow
Pages references all five stores, so each
store gets the benefit of many more
books and regions than it could have
afforded on its own.
In addition to the more conventional advertising, USA Transmissions currently has 35 billboards in the Houston
36
Lufkin crew L-R “Geraldo,” Mike Morgan, Woody Bear
area. That’s a lot of valuable ad space;
far more than one shop could afford
itself. And as any good marketer will
tell you, few ads can provide a greater
return on investment than a billboard.
Outside Sales
One of the recognized common
programs found in the most successful
transmission shops is a dedicated outside sales program. USA Transmissions
only reinforces that conclusion, with a
fulltime outside sales person.
As with their other advertising,
USA Transmission shares the outside
sales among all five shops. This lowers
their costs per shop, while providing
an excellent means of generating additional referrals.
And in most cases, referrals are
what they’re looking for. Gary and
Gerald will accept wholesale work, but
they prefer referrals from the general
repair shops in the area. Upon selling
a rebuild, they’ll issue a commission
to the shop or individual who sent the
job.
Most shops are only too happy to
work with USA Transmissions, because
they know their customers will be treated well, they’ll get quality work at a
fair price, and USA Transmissions will
stand behind its work.
Financing Available
One almost universal problem for
today’s transmission repair shops is
money: A substantial number of the
folks who come in don’t have enough
to get their transmissions fixed. And
let’s face it, if the customer can’t afford
the repair, it doesn’t matter whether
they trust you or not: You aren’t going
to get the job.
The Vess brothers know this; that’s
why they offer financing as a key part
of their business. The web site and billboards proclaim “financing as low as
$10 a month!”
And at USA Transmissions, there’s
never any question about whether the
customer will qualify for financing:
They have every customer prequalify
when they first bring their cars in. Can’t
GEARS April 2010
afford the repair? Sure you can: you’ve
already been approved!
To provide this financing, USA
Transmissions offers the CarCarOne
program, and has additional backups
through local banks.
Of course, even with the financing
available, not every customer wants to
spend the money for a complete custom
rebuild. That’s why USA Transmissions
also offers repairs, remans, and even
used transmissions where possible.
Their object is to make sure everyone gets the work they need, at a price
they can afford. And that mentality is
reflected in their bottom line.
Unparalleled
Warranty
A rebuilt transmission is a big
investment, and some customers are
very concerned about a warranty to
make sure they won’t be faced with that
kind of bill again. That’s one reason
ATRA offers its Members the Golden
Rule Warranty program: To help ATRA
Members compete with the big chains
by providing coast-to-coast coverage.
Of course, providing additional
warranty coverage can provide you
with a competitive edge, and even give
you a way to earn more for your shop.
USA Transmissions offers its customers a wide range of warranty programs, all the way up to a 10-year,
100,000-mile warranty! Of course, USA
charges a lot more for that level of warranty, still some customers take advantage of the extra coverage it provides.
For others who don't prefer that level
of protection, they also offer 5-year,
3-year, 2-year and even a standard
1-year warranty.
Their option based sales strategy is
working for both the customer and USA
Transmissions.
[Editor’s Note: Offering a longer warranty
at a higher price, without any difference to the
actual rebuild, may not be legal in your area.
Some states consider that a form of insurance,
and require it to conform to insurance regulations
for that state. Always check with your attorney
for details regarding warranty issues.]
Another Success
Story
Times are tough all over the US
and Canada. But some shops are turning lemons into lemonade, and making
a terrific living doing it.
GEARS April 2010
One of the highlights of the visit was dinner with Gary Vess Sr. who
founded AARMCO Transmissions back in 1981. Pictured are Gary and
Gerald with their Dad.
Gary and Gerald Vess are two
brothers who’ve discovered how to
make it work, by taking advantage of
what they’ve discovered through their
work in other businesses, along with
what they learned at ATRA’s Expo management program, What’s Working.
If your shop isn’t enjoying the success that you’d like to see, maybe now
would be a good time to start making
plans to attend this year’s Expo. And
maybe it won’t be long before we’re
telling your story here in GEARS, as
another shop who’s Making It Work!
Slauson Transmission Parts…
Ca l l now to g e t you r new
2010 S la u so n B oo k
Use d , N ew & Rebu i l t Har d Par t s , So f t Par t s ,
E l e c t r ic al C omp one nt s & Fl y w he e ls
O r der online at Slauson .c om
O f f e r i n g q u a l i t y p r o d u c t s f r o m t h e s e f i n e ve n d o r s :
Tr a n s t e c • R ay b e s t o s • D y n a x • S o n n a x
S px F i l t r a n • L u b e G u a r d • Tr a n s g o • B o r gWa r n e r
S u p e r i o r • R o s t r a • Te c k P a k • H ayd e n • Tr u - C o o l
A u t o c r a f t • AT S G • A l l o m a t i c • A l t o
Phone Hours: Open 7:00 am to 5:00 pm/ PST
Call (800) 421-5580 • Local (310) 768-2099
FAX ( 310) 768-8298
37
Marketing at Your
Shop’s Finger Tips
Mustang Marketing has created a strategic
marketing plan and ad templates for ATRA.
Money is tight for businesses today, and often
that means reduced marketing efforts. Cutting back
may make sense initially, but research and case
studies have shown companies that maintain
a focused marketing approach in a downturn
reap benefits, capitalizing on the exposure they
gain with their competitors sitting on the sidelines.
And since people tend to make repairs to their
current car in these times rather than buying a new
one, there has never been a better time to market
your shop as an ATRA expert.
Mustang Marketing has created a strategic
marketing plan for ATRA known as the RoadMap.
Great creative results and successful marketing are
the direct result of a solid foundation—a strategic
plan. The same way you would never begin
building a home without architectural plans,
you should never start actual marketing without
a strategic plan. And in 25 years of providing
marketing, public relations, and creative expertise
to a variety of clients, Mustang has seen the
importance of strategy time and time again.
To build ATRA’s RoadMap, we worked
to establish the following:
• Goals
• Audience
• Message
• Vehicles
Identifying the goals of ATRA’s marketing campaign,
the message of that campaign, who will receive
the message, and how the message will be delivered
creates the best possible chance of success
to maximize the marketing investment of time
and dollars.
Billboards
Easily customizable
templates for your
shop’s marketing needs
Print Advertising
Post cards and Mailers
Ad Templates for ATRA Shops
Part of the ATRA RoadMap included building
ad templates for ATRA’s shops to use in their
respective markets. Some of the advantages
of these templates include:
• Easily customizable for shops to put their
own logo and information
• Complete with ATRA logo to convey your
shop’s excellence
• Available in print, postcard,
and billboard formats
Your shop’s marketing will never be easier
than with these templates. And if you are one
of the first 20 ATRA members to express interest,
Mustang will design (at no charge!) your ad
utilizing our custom templates—a $375 value!
Get Your Shop’s Templates Today
It’s time to take advantage of your opportunity
as a marketer, and the resources that are being
offered to you. Mustang has devised the strategy,
created the means to implement it, and is ready
to help you see your shop flourish with the new
business opportunities this campaign will deliver.
Call ATRA Headquarters
at (805) 604-2000
to receive the marketing
tools you need.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
REBUILDERS ASSOCIATION
Playing with Fire
Building a 5-Volt
Signal Generator
by Jon Rodriguez
members.atra.com
Figure 1: Marking and drilling on the backside of the cover will provide a cleaner look when the box is assembled.
F
or me, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is when
I come across a new way to
diagnose a problem. When I say new,
I mean something outside of the basic
diagnostic tree.
This was the case about eight years
ago when I was working in San Diego.
The tool truck guy showed up with this
fancy, 5-volt signal generator. Its purpose was to simulate a varying 5-volt
signal for diagnosing a throttle position sensor (TPS), mass airflow sensor
(MAF), manifold air pressure sensor
(MAP) or any other 5-volt based sensor
on a vehicle.
It cost about $150 and was a handy
tool in my arsenal… until I fried it.
Apparently there’s a difference between
a 5-volt signal generator and a 5-volt
power source capable of providing
enough current to bench load a 4L60E
40
EPC solenoid. Oops!
So when I tried replacing my trusty
signal generator, I found out that it was
discontinued. There were other models
available but they were expensive. The
alternative was to head to my local
electronics store and build my own.
Here’s what I came up with:
Parts Needed
•
•
•
•
•
•
Project box 6” x 3” x 2” (Radio
Shack# 2701805)
3-pack (Red, Green and Black)
of 18-gauge wire (Radio
Shack# 2781226)
2-pack of banana jacks (Radio
Shack# 2740725) x2
5-volt regulator (Radio Shack#
2761770)
Dual printed circuit board
(Radio Shack# 2760159)
On/off switch (Radio Shack#
•
•
•
•
•
•
2750601)
Control knob (Radio Shack#
2740424)
Speaker terminal plate (Radio
Shack# 2740632)
1 Megaohm linear potentiometer (Radio Shack# 2710211)
Solder
14-gauge female spade connector (Blue)
22-gauge female spade connector x2 (Red)
Tools Needed
•
•
•
•
Drill Bits
o ½”
o 23/64”
o 19/64”
o 1/8”
Drill
Phillips head screwdriver
Soldering iron
GEARS April 2010
Figure 3: This can also be done while installed in
the cover.
Figure 2
•
Crimper
Preparing the
Project Box
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Use the back of the aluminum
cover to mark the position for
the on/off switch and potentiometer.
Place the aluminum cover on top
of the plastic cover and loosely
fasten both pieces to the project
box with the supplied screws.
Drill the holes for the on/off
switch (1/2”) and the potentiometer (23/64”) (figure 1).
Remove the screws and lift the
cover off the project box.
Push the potentiometer through
the 23/64” hole. With the potentiometer leads facing the longest
end of the cover, press and turn
the potentiometer firmly against
the plastic side of the cover so
the alignment peg creates a wear
mark in the cover (figure 2).
Remove the potentiometer from
the hole.
With the aluminum cover off,
drill a 1/8” hole 90° to the left
of the potentiometer hole, on top
of the wear mark you just made.
If done correctly, the alignment
peg will allow the potentiometer
to sit flush in the cover, and
the contacts will face the on/off
switch.
Cut 1” off the potentiometer
shaft (figure 3).
GEARS April 2010
Figure 4: The on/off switch and potentiometer will come with all of the
mounting hardware.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Install the potentiometer into the
plastic and metal cover.
Install the on/off switch into the
plastic and metal cover (figure
4).
Drill three, 19/64” holes where
you want the banana jacks. The
model shown has the continuous
5-volt signal and ground on one
side, and the varying signal on
the other. I used banana jacks so
I could use standard voltmeter
leads for testing (figure 5).
Install the banana jacks into the
holes.
Drill two 19/64” holes at either
end of the box, 1¾” from one
another, for the speaker plate
contacts (figure 6).
14.
Screw the speaker plate to the
project box.
Preparing the Circuit
Board
1.Bend the voltage regulator fingers to 90° (figure 7).
2.Place the regulator against the
blank side of the circuit board (figure
8).
3.Solder the contacts to the board.
Be careful: Too much solder could create a short to the adjacent circuit.
4.For ease of handling, cut these
colored wires 6” in length: 2x Green,
2x Black, and 1x Red. Don’t worry
about the extra length; there’s plenty of
room in the project box to handle the
41
Building a 5-Volt Signal Generator
Figure 5: Some wire leads may have a protective sleeve covering the
banana jack that needs to be cut off in order to fit in the outlet.
excess wiring.
5.Strip about 1/16” insulation from
one end of each wire.
6.Push the exposed wire through
the appropriate holes on the blank side
of the circuit board (figure 8).
7.Using a fully heated soldering
iron, use a small amount of solder to
42
attach the wires to the board.
Caution: Too much solder will spill
over to the adjacent contacts and ruin
the circuit board.
Assembling the Box
1. Cut these colored wires 6” in
length: 1x Red, 1x Black, and 1x
Figure 6
Green.
2. Strip 3/8” insulation off both ends
of the black wire.
3. Solder one end of the black wire
to the B– side of the speaker plate
(black).
4. Strip 3/8” insulation off the ground
wire from the circuit board (one of
the black wires).
GEARS April 2010
5. Twist the ground wire from the
circuit board (black) with the
ground wire from the speaker plate
(black).
6. Crimp a 14-gauge female spade
connector (blue) to the twisted
ends of the wires.
7. Attach the blue spade connector
to the ground terminal of the on/
off switch.
8. Strip 3/8” insulation off both ends
of the red wire.
9. Solder one end of the red wire to
the B+ side of the speaker plate
(red).
10. Crimp a 22-gauge female spade
connector (red) to the red wire
from the B+ side of the speaker
plate.
11. Attach the red spade connector
from the speaker plate to the power
terminal of the on/off switch.
12. Strip 3/8” insulation off the red
wire from the circuit board.
13. Crimp a 22-gauge female spade
connector (red) to the end of the
red wire from the circuit board.
14. Attach the spade connector from
the circuit board to the ACC termi-
Figure 7
nal of the on/off switch.
15. Strip 3/8” insulation off both ends
of the green wire.
16. Solder one end of the green wire
to the right side terminal of the
potentiometer (figure 8).
17. Solder the other end of the green
wire from the potentiometer to the
red banana jack where you want
the varying signal.
18. Strip 3/8” insulation off the two
green wires from the circuit board.
19. Solder one green wire from the
20.
21.
22.
23.
circuit board to the center terminal
of the potentiometer.
Solder the remaining green wire
from the circuit board to the red
banana jack where you want the
steady five volts.
Strip 3/8” insulation off the end of
the last black wire from the circuit
board.
Solder the black wire to the black
banana jack.
Using a generous amount of silicone, glue the contact side of the
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GEARS April 2010
43
Building a 5-Volt Signal Generator
Figure 8
Figure 9
circuit board to the bottom of the
project box and let the silicone
cure overnight.
24. Gently fold the wires into the project box and screw the lid on.
25. Place the knob on the potentiometer shaft and tighten the jam
screw.
44
The entire project costs about $40
in parts. Keep in mind that this simple
generator doesn’t have to look just like
the one I built; there are several different on/off switches, knobs and wire
connection options to choose from at
your local electronics store. I liked
using the speaker terminal as a power
input because if someone trips on the
power cord, it’ll simply pull the wires
out of the terminals rather than damage
the circuit board.
Caution: Use a cigarette lighter
adapter with a built-in fuse to power
the generator to protect the circuit. Use
an alligator clip cigarette lighter adapter
to connect the generator directly to the
battery.
The steady 5-volt source and
ground aren’t really needed, but they
were easy enough to install and could
come in handy when dealing with a suspect sensor ground or 5-volt reference.
The most important thing to keep in
mind with this tool is, even though the
regulator is rated at one amp, using it to
power a solenoid creates a lot of heat
in the regulator. If you use it to power
a 5-ohm solenoid, don’t keep it on for
more than a few seconds or the regulator may burn. The main purpose of this
tool is for diagnosing sensor circuits,
not to modulate an EPC solenoid.
Here’s how you could use this signal generator to test a sensor circuit on
a 2001 Ford Expedition (figure 9):
• Set your scan tool to display
data.
• Unplug the TPS connector.
• Backprobe the signal (middle)
wire on the connector with the
varying 5-volt signal output
from the signal generator.
• Power the signal monitor using
the vehicle battery.
• Turn the power switch on.
• Turn the adjuster knob back
and forth while monitoring the
TPS voltage reading on your
scan tool.
On this vehicle, the scan tool
revealed the voltage signal sweeping
from 1.15 volts to a full 5 volts. This
proved that the wiring from the TPS to
the computer was in good shape and the
computer had the ability to measure the
input voltage signal.
The test took less than five minutes
and revealed valuable data that would
have saved a lot of time during an
actual TPS diagnosis.
I hope you enjoy building and
playing with this inexpensive and useful tool.
GEARS April 2010
…One o f Th o se D ay s
by Jeff Yarbrough,
ATRA Certified Technician
www.atra.com
S
Figure 1
eems like it’s always the smallest details that can
get us into trouble. When building a unit, these are
details that are easy to miss when interrupted by a
phone call, a question from one of the guys, or just not paying attention. This was one of those days…
The problem was a 95 Jeep Wrangler. It had a 5-speed
AX-15 transmission that was making some very strange
noises when the clutch was disengaged: When you took your
foot off the clutch it would howl and grind.
With the customer’s approval, we removed the transmission. We dismantled it to find it had suffered a bad case of
dehydration: a severe lack of vital fluids. It needed a major
overhaul, consisting of a new input
shaft, 3-4 shift fork, cluster gear, all
bearings, brass rings, seals and gaskets.
After the customer approved the
final estimate, we cleaned everything
and waited for new parts to arrive.
I usually assemble these units
using a vice as a holding fixture (figure
1). This makes it easy to install both
shafts and then assemble the rest of the
gears and bearings without wrestling it
all over the bench. Additionally, shifter
rods, forks, and interlock balls are
much easier to manage. Once I have
all the internal parts installed, I can
shift the unit through all of its ranges.
Everything worked smoothly at that
point.
After removing it from the vice, I
installed the rear case section and then
the front case section. When it was
all bolted together, everything worked
GEARS April 2010
Figure 2
45
…One of Those Days
Figure 3
Figure 4
The new 3-4 shift fork had a little keyway arch casting on it that was
hitting the inside of the case (Figure 3) ... ... A few seconds with the air
grinder solved it nicely (Figure 4).
great… except it wouldn’t go into 4th. 3rd gear went in just
fine, but as soon as you entered the 4th quadrant the shifter
would lock up. I removed the front case section and then the unit went
46
into 4th perfectly. After removing and reinstalling the front
case section several times and inspecting everything, I finally
narrowed down the problem:
I removed the bolt that locked the 3-4 shift fork to the
shifter rod and then reinstalled the front case section with two
bolts. Although the 3-4 shift fork didn’t move, it allowed me
to examine the linkage from the shifter, down through the
case, all the way to the shift rod. It shifted smoothly there.
I knew the problem was in the movement of the fork,
slide, keys, etc., but everything looked great when I could see
it… with the front case off. After pulling out some more of
my hair, I started looking inside the front case where the rod
operates and that’s when I saw the problem. Right where the
3-4 shift fork would be operating back and forth, I could see
something had been scratching the inside of the case (Figure
2).
The new 3-4 shift fork had a little keyway arch casting on
it that was hitting the inside of the case (Figure 3). Turns out
it was too tall by just a few thousandths of an inch — enough
to strike the inside of the case and basically wedge the shift
rod as it approached 4th gear.
A few seconds with the air grinder solved it nicely (Figure
4). Apparently the new 3-4 shift fork had been cast with just
a little too much material left in that area… or maybe the
casting of the case had just a few thousandths left there. The
difference was hardly noticeable, but it was enough to cause a
problem. Good thing I had checked its operation before I put
the trans back into the car!
It was just one of those days; nothing I did wrong, but the
fates were conspiring against me. In the end, I won, and all it
took was a few extra minutes to pay attention to the details.
GEARS April 2010
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
Keep It Going!
by Kelly Hilmer
members.atra.com
N
ow more than ever it’s important to make sure you’ve
got a good message for consumers and you’re doing
everything you can to reach them. In the last issue, we
discussed ATRA’s plan to reach more consumers and make them
more aware of the benefits to selecting an ATRA member shop.
There are a lot of great reasons for a consumer to choose an ATRA
member shop but up until now it’s been one of the public’s best
kept secrets. Since the last reporting in Gears, ATRA has received
even more press; bringing more attention to consumers. Most notably, there’ve been articles in the New York Times, Detroit News
and Progressive Insurance. There was also a mention of an ATRA
member, Dale’s A-1 Transmissions in Mitchell South Dakota in
the New Republic. Which makes the point that there are a lot of
ways ATRA and ATRA members can keep this effort going. Using
the ATRA logo in all your advertising will help increase the branding of ATRA and its members; working to create insistence for an
ATRA member shop in the minds of the consumer.
GEARS April 2010
47
Membership Matters: Keep It Going!
Continuing that idea, ATRA,
through the help of Mustang Marketing
in Thousand Oaks California have created a range of marketing pieces and an
in-depth plan called the ATRA Member
Roadmap illustrated on pages 38 and
39. The marketing pieces are based
on the theme of ATRA’s new consumer site, made exclusively for the
interests of the motoring public and
for locating ATRA members’ shops
across the USA and Canada. This site
is scheduled for April, around the time
this issue of Gears magazine hits the
street. It’s phase two of the new ATRA
web site project and will replace the
current ATRA site: www.atra.com.
The consumer-reach project required
a separation of member and consumer
content from the single ATRA web
site. Phase one was to strip the member
components from the original site and
build an exclusive industry/member
site. Here, members can access all the
member information contained in the
previous site without the interference
of consumer-related material. They can
also purchase items from the ATRA
Bookstore and register for events, just
like the old site. What’s new on this site
is the ability for members to manage
their account, renew their membership,
add employees and even create forums
and discussion groups with other members, and is accessible at
http://members.atra.com.
Like any new change it takes a
little patience to maneuver through the
different areas because it’s different
than the old site, but you won’t have to
do that because this site has a powerful search feature that makes finding
what you want a snap. Looking for a
certain book? Just type in the transmission type and system does the rest.
Looking for information on ATRA’s
Golden Rule warranty? Type “golden
rule” and whamo, it takes you right to a
listing of warranty topics: order forms,
procedures etc.
And oh, the ATRA Tech Center
is faster than ever and has a far more
powerful keyword search capability.
Just use it like a search engine; type in
the complaint and go! You need information on a 4L60E with a no second
gear complaint? Just type “4l60e no
second”, the system finds the information for you.
48
The changing economy has brought
on a new set of challenges. But with it
come new ways of reaching customers
and doing business. ATRA is changing
with the times to help keep members in
front of the pack. Let’s keep it going!
GEARS April 2010
September 9 - 12
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio Convention Center
Get ’em In The Door!
Management Seminars
Learn and share proven strategies to take your business right to the top from business owners
making it work in their shops everyday!
Creating Visions for sustainable success!
Setting the Right Goals – and achieving them!
Developing the Right Plan – and how to apply it!
Getting the Right People onboard
Applying What Works and measuring your success!
Get ’em Out The Door!
Technical Seminars
Proven professionals bring you proven fixes and introduction to some new products, stay on
top of the changing industry. Using the information as soon as you get back to the shop!
Learn quick diagnostics to finding the fixes fast!
Tips and tricks on how to rebuild some of the toughest units!
What’s coming down the line from the big manufacturers!
Most importantly, how to Get ’em out the door fast and efficiently!
Hotel Accommodations
G
$149 single/double
Mention ATRA to get discounted rate
San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk
889 East Market Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
Phone: (800) 648-4462
2
ATRA’s Powertrain Expo
o
Join us in
San Antonio, TX!
“Discover San Antonio”
Group Tour
Saturday, September 11
out
n
u
f
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R
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o
b
at Rio Ci
Full Texas style buffet
Enjoy the pleasant sounds of the resident country fiddler
Feed the resident Texas Longhorn cattle in the big Texas sized RCR Rodeo Arena
Listen to stories of the Old West & Texas Revolution while roasting marshmellows by the fire
Jump on for a hay wagon ride throughout the ranch or try some Texas linedancing
Look for more information to come in the May/June issue of GEARS!
September 9 - 12, 2010
3
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“Discover San Antonio”
Group Tour
Saturday, September 11
Fun, Food and Excitement! Discover what
Texas is all about on this group tour of
Rio Cibolo Ranch. Your ticket includes
transportation, a full Texas buffet, linedancing,
hayrides, and much more! Purchase your tickets
when you register for Expo!
Golf Tournament
Thursday, September 9
Arrive early in San Antonio and join your
industry peers and colleagues for a great day
of golf at the Brackenridge Golf Course. It’s
a great way to mix business and pleasure
and kick off your Expo experience. This
year’s course is the first public course in San
Antonio and is home to the 2010 Texas Golf
Hall of Fame. Reserve your spot when you
sign up for Expo!
Trade Show Only
Friday, September 10
Saturday, September 11
Your Trade Show Only pass will give you
access to two full days in the exhibit hall.
Come see the only trade show dedicated to
transmission repair with the latest tools and
equipment. With ATRA’s Powertrain Expo
being the largest gathering of automatic
transmission repair professionals, you’re sure
to find all the newest innovations all in one
location!
Registration opens June 1
Press Release
VALVE BODY PRO Offers Fix For Worn
TF80SC Accumulator Bores
POWERTRAIN INDUSTRY NEWS
TRC Extends Spring
Jacket Promotion to
GEARS Subscribers
GEARS does not endorse new products but makes this new information available
to readers.
If youremanuhave a new product, please email the press release information
Valve Body PRO is excited
to offer
factured Valve Bodies
forapplicable
the Volvodigital
TF-80SC.
with
photo or drawing to [email protected] or send by mail to
Valve Body PRO hasGEARS,
researched
theLatigo
valveAvenue, Oxnard, CA 93030.
2400
body issues that affect the shifting characteristics of late model Volvo models which use the
TF80SC transmission. One of the problem
late involves
units. excessive wear in the 5 accumulator piston into the bore wall.
areas
The Most
kit works
by increasing
Bob Sanghera, CEO of Valve Body
lator bores.
of the accumulator
boresconshow
surface loss
creates
an
tact signs
area, of
reducing
the which
pressure
between
PRO said, “After studying the posout-of-round
bore.and
In addition,
of thethan
sible remedies, we came to the concluthe pin spacer
piston some
by more
bores
are
heavily
notched
by
the
constant
rubsion the only way to solve it was to
60%. Durability is further enhanced
bing of the accumulator piston into the bore
with
the
addition
of
a
belleville
spring
have new high quality aluminum inserts
wall. Bob Sanghera, CEO of Valve body PRO
installed.”
washer
reducetheshock
during
servo
said,
“Aftertostudying
possible
remedies,
we
came
to the conclusion the only way to solve it
apply.
In addition to the usual overhaul
was toThis
have new
aluminumasinserts
kit high
can quality
be installed
part
of the valve body, these inserts bring
installed”. In addition to the usual overhaul of
of the normal assembly procedure and
the accumulator bore diameter back to
the valve body, these inserts bring the accumudoesn’t
requireback
anyto modifications
factory specs.
lator
bore diameter
factory specs. or
special tools.
For more information, visit www.
valvebodypros.com or call toll free
1-877-611-7767.
Valve Body PRO Offers
Fix For Worn TF80SC
Accumulator Bores
TransTec Introduces New
Kit for Ford 6R80
For more
visit
Forinformation,
more information,
visit Sonnax
www.valvebodypros.com
or call toll free
on line at www.sonnax.com.
1-877-611-7767
TRC is offering their latest promotion to all GEARS subscribers. For a
limited time, subscribers will receive
a heavy-duty canvas jacket with every
third transmission purchase.
TRC has been in business since
1981; they ship transmissions (automatic and standard, foreign and domestic),
transfer cases and differentials nationwide.
For more information visit
www.TRCtrans.com, or call toll-free
1-800-524-0485.
TF80SC Accumulator Bores Before
Sonnax 4L80-E Reverse
Servo Spacer Kit
TF80SC Accumulator Bores After
1996-and-later 4L80-E reverse
servo pistons often break because they
receive more stress than the servo pistons in earlier units.
The Sonnax Reverse Servo Space
Kit 34528-01K is a simple, low-cost
way to add durability to your 4L80E rebuilds and eliminate the need to
retrofit early design servo pistons for
GEARS April 2010
Valve Body PRO is excited to offer
remanufactured valve bodies for the
Volvo TF-80SC.
Valve Body PRO has researched
the valve body issues that affect the
shifting characteristics of late model
Volvo models, which use the TF80SC
transmission. One of the problem areas
involves excessive wear in the five
accumulator bores.
Most of the accumulator bores
show signs of surface loss which creates an out-of-round bore. In addition,
some of the bores are heavily notched
by the constant rubbing of the accumu-
TransTec is pleased to announce
the availability of TransTec® overhaul
kit 2546.
This kit includes coverage for
the 6-speed Ford 6R80 transmission
found in 2008-up Ford F-150, 2009–up
Ford Expedition and 2009-up Lincoln
Navigator models.
The new kit includes:
TransTec®
Description
Number
B33324
Molded Rubber Pan Gasket
B37047
Front Seal
B37141
Extension Housing Seal; 2WD
B37142
Extension Housing Seal; 4WD
3533
Sealing Ring Kit
For more information, visit them
on line at www.TransTec.com
PML Introduces Low
Profile 200-4R GM
Transmission Pan
PML has just introduced a low
profile transmission pan for the GM
200-4R, in response to requests from
the performance automatic overdrive
transmission market. PML has had a
deep extra capacity 200-4R transmission pan since 2003 and designed this
low profile version to accommodate
applications with little clearance.
This low profile pan features fins
and aluminum construction for cooling
53
POWER INDUSTRY NEWS
Transtar Promotes Jim
Berry to VP of Marketing
Transtar Industries, Inc., the premier provider of world-class driveline
solutions, is pleased to announce the
promotion of Jim Berry to vice president of marketing for the Domestic
Distribution Group.
Berry joined Transtar in July 2005
as director of marketing, and quickly
became an integral part of Transtar’s
management team. “Jim has proven to
be a valuable team member helping to
shape our strategic direction,” said Neil
Sethi, group vice president, Transtar
Distribution Group.
“To me, the responsiveness of a
marketing team is a good gauge of
the effectiveness of the department,”
Berry observed. “I take pride that our
department has a reputation of quick
response, both to the sales team as well
as our customers.”
Most recently, Jim has focused his
team on developing new, customerdriven product solutions in support of
their mission statement: The premier
54
TOOL
REVIEW
PTEN
and a drain for easy oil changes.
Stock pans are thin stamped steel;
this PML transmission pan has thick
walls to increase the torsional strength
of the transmission case, and a thick,
machined gasket flange for a leak-free
seal.
The transmission pan has stock
capacity and is 3 1/8-inches tall from
the gasket surface to the fin top so it’s
slightly taller than stock.
The pan kit includes mounting bolts
and a magnetic drain plug to collect
any metal bits, keeping the oil cleaner.
There’s also a cast-in boss that can be
machined for a temperature sensor.
PML offers this transmission pan
in three finishes: cast aluminum, black
powder coat with shaved fins, and polished. The PML part number is 11070.
Made in the USA by PML, you’ll find
pictures and dimensions online at www.
yourcovers.com.
provider of world class driveline solufluid through the tiniest leak. When
tions.
you scan the system with a high-inten“It became apparent several years
sity Tracerline® UV lamp, the dye will
ago that the transmission repair indusglow brightly, spotlighting the exact
try was going through an evolution,”
location of every leak.
Berry continues. “We knew that we
All-In-One is available in standard
had an opportunity to be the industry
and concentrated formulas.
For more information about
leader, and doing so to be a true partner
TP-3405CS Dye-Lite® All-In-One™
to our customers — to live up to the
standard set forth by the Transtar Seal
dye, call toll-free 1-800-641-1133.
of Quality.”
Outside the United States and Canada,
Jim’s marketing and sales career
call 516-333-1254. Or visit them online
includes positions with Quaker State
at www.tracerline.com.
Corporation and ICI Paints. During
ArizonaMachine
Transmission
his tenure with ICI, Jim held
several
Arizona
transmission
eZ-DriVer set
Machine
EZ-DRIVER Set
marketing and sales positions including
rizona Transmission
director of marketing support. Machine introduced
its EZ-DRIVER bearTranstar would like to congratulate
ing installation sets. The
Master set is highly adaptJim and looks forward toable,a with
thriving
a series of 28
interchangeable
Force
future with him.
Distributors in two styles,
A
to install bearings and other
components onto or over
a shaft. Create more than
200 different usable setups.
EZ-DRIVER offers versatility for working on components from bearings to seals,
gears, hubs and sleeves.
Full Spectrum
All-In-One™ Dye
Pinpoints All Leaks
review
T TherDan
a andc Tom
e Tarkus,
r
PTEN
review panelists
and
Products
has
owners of Tarkus Complete
Automotive
Services
developed
a in
Milwaukee, were extremely
positive
about
the
s t a t e -EZ-DRIVER
o f - t h epress
- a rkitallt was
helping
them
get
done.
fluorescent
dye
"We've been doing lots
of press work and its nice
— TP-3405CS
to have press tools that are
really press tools
instead of
Dye-Lite®
Allwhat we make ... we make
a
lot
of
our
own
tools,"
In-One™
dye Tom
said, who has a tool-and-die
"This set has proved to be very useful for us.
background.
that it has all the different-sized
couplers.
— which
greatly
Arizona I like
Transmission
Machine
"It's compact and out of the way for shops with Nice brace tools and a lot of good flat tools too.
little
room,"
Tom
said.
"This
is
all
really
nice
how
it
"The
tools
are
soft
so
that
they
don't
mar
the fitimproves
leak
introduced tings
itsyou'reEZ-DRIVER
bearfits on the rack.
trying to get in," Dan said.
"It's
got
nice
drivers;
and
the
mounting
and
bear"It's
probably
the
best
press
tool
kit
we've
detection
in all oil
ing installation sets. The master set seen
is
ing braces, [this set] is wonderful because it comes here in 25 years in business," Tom said.
with
so
many
sizes,
even
some
that many adaptable,
shops
and oil-based
fluid
highly
with
a
series
of
28
117
might never use."
Another nice feature was the O-rings to keep the
systems,
including
interchangeable force distributors in
tube extensions together, Dan said.
gasoline and dietwo styles, to install bearings and other
sel engine oil, gascomponents onto or over a shaft.
oline,34 diesel
fuel,
Create more than 200 different
www.pten.com February 2010
automatic transusable setups. EZ-DRIVER offers vermission fluid, power steering fluid,
satility for working on components
hydraulic and lubrication fluids. This
from bearings to seals, gears, hubs and
dye has proven to be 100% effective
sleeves.
with all UV and blue light lamps.
Dan and Tom Tarkus, owners of
TP-3405CS Dye-Lite All-In-One
Tarkus Complete Automotive Services
dye assures optimum leak detection
in Milwaukee, were extremely positive
because it actually contains two fluoabout all the EZ-DRIVER press kit was
rescent dyes: One fluoresces best under
helping them get done.
UV and the other under blue light.
“We’ve been doing lots of press
Whatever type of inspection lamp is
work and its nice to have press tools
used, All-In-One dye will glow brilthat are really press tools instead of
liantly and spotlight every leak — even
what we make… we make a lot of
our own tools,” Tom said, who has a
a pinhole in a system.
tool-and-die background. “It’s compact
Dye-Lite All-In-One dye is safe
and out of the way for shops with little
and easy to use. Just one bottle of dye
room. I like how it fits on the rack. It
per application is all you need! The dye
has nice drivers, mounting and bearing
is circulated through the vehicle’s fluid
braces. This set is wonderful because it
system, and will escape with the host
Circle
on inquiry card
or click e-inquiry at pten.com
■
GEARS April 2010
For Immediate Release
comes with so many sizes.”
“Another nice feature was the
O-rings to keep the tube extensions
together,” Dan said. “This set has
proved to be very useful for us. I like
that it has all the different-sized couplers. Nice brace tools and a lot of good
flat tools too.”
For more information, visit them
on line at www.bearinginstaller.com.
tion for a few days,” says Mark Russell,
who was recently chosen as director,
complete transmission solutions. “He
purchased a unit and was able to do the
repair and get his customer back on the
road again.”
Before joining Transtar, Mark
led the northeast region for Axiom
Automotive Technologies Inc. He came
to the company with great expertise in
the industry and has successfully man2010 Smart Blend ATF
aged the establishment of the AT Units
Larry Barnes, National Sales
Service Guide and
line. Jim Berry, vice president of marLARRY BARNES
Coordinator,
Smart Blend
Application Chart
keting, said, “When we hired Mark, we
JOINS THE SALES TEAM
national
sales
coordinator
to
the
Smart
knew we needed a senior manager who
SMART AT
BLEND SMART
SYNTHETICS a leader
in automatic SYNTHETICS
BLEND
knew this industry and our customers
transmissionBlend
additives,team.
protectants, supplements,
cleaners and fully formulated CVT
fluid;a
announces
has
lifelong
inLarry Barnes
—ashe was the perfect fit.”
Smart Blend Synthetics by Life Larry
Automotive Products
is proud
to announcecareer
the addition of
the release
of our
2010 Blend
ATF Service
National Sales
Coordinator
to new
our Smart
team. Guide &
the
automotive
service
industry.
His
Larry has aApplication
lifelong career
in
the
automotive
service
industry.
His
automotive
career
beginning
in
1988
withRemanufactured in the US and to
Chart. This comprehensive guide offers
NAPA Auto Parts in Distribution Center Management and Sales Management throughout areas in the
automotive
career year,
beginning in 1988
OE quality, this new line offers applicato States.
follow
charts that list manufacturer,
Southeasteasy
United
In 2003, Larry
joined
AutoNAPA
Parts
where
he
wasfill
responsible
for
extensive VS7 Chemical program.
model
andMighty
transmission
type
with
total
and
with
Auto
Parts
inthedistribution
tionsHefor all major foreign and domeswas instrumental in all aspects of training and authored over 25 technical articles for numerous trade
service fill capacities. Also listed are fluid type and
publications.
center
management
and sales managetic vehicles, and their comprehensive
Smart
lowancost
alterative
“It is a pleasure
to Blend
represent
industry
leaderfluid
like Life Automotive / Smart Blend Synthetics. The dedication of the
entire TEAM
to produce innovative
and quality driven products
market is second to none.
I look
ment throughout
areasto the
inautomotive
the Southeast
inventory
enables Transtar to deliver to
recommendations.
forward to carrying this tradition of excellence out to the field.” Larry adds.
This service United
guide
is an excellence
tool for every
States.
most
Larry, an avid golfer, brings
vast automotive
& fast lube industry experience to Smart Blend Synthetics
and wemarkets within a day.
look forward
to his future
contributions.
technician,
shop
manager/owner and installer.
In 2003, Larry joined Mighty Auto
All units are fully tested using [email protected]
Smart Blend makes servicing automatic
Parts
where
hemore
wasprofitable.
responsible
for the
of-the-art equipment and include the
ForCVTs
more
information
contact
Life
Automotive Products
transmissions
and
simpler
and
at 1-888-422-9099 • FAX: 281-631-0460
extensive
VS7
Chemical program. He
Transtar Seal of Quality. AT Units are
www.smartblend.com
was instrumental in all aspects of trainalso updated with the latest pieces and
ing and authored over 25 technical artifittings, and are backed by Transtar’s
cles for numerous trade publications.
18-month/18,000 mile national war“It is a pleasure to represent an
ranty with extended 36-month/100,000
For more
information industry leader like Life Automotive /
Smart Blend Synthetics,
a leader
mile warranty availability.
Call: 1-888-422-9099
or Email: [email protected]
in automatic
transmission additives,
Smart Blend Synthetics. The dedication
For further details or purchasing
FAX: 281-631-0460 • www.smartblend.com
protectants, supplements,
cleaners and
of the entire team to produce innovative
information, customers should contact
fully formulated CVT fluid, announces
and quality driven products to the autotheir Transtar representative.
the release of its new 2010 ATF Service
motive market is second to none. I look
Guide and Application Chart.
Profit Boost Builds New
forward to carrying this tradition of
Online Home
This comprehensive guide offers
excellence out to the field,” Larry said.
easy-to-follow charts that list manuProfit Boost, the leader in webLarry, an avid golfer, brings vast
facturer, year, model, and transmisbased shop management solutions for
automotive and fast lube industry expesion type with total fill and service fill
the automotive industry, has launched
rience to Smart Blend Synthetics and
capacities. Also listed are fluid type and
its new web site at www.profitboost.
we look forward to his future contribuSmart Blend low-cost alterative fluid
com.
tions.
recommendations.
With its fresh, new look and easy navFor more information contact Life
This service guide is an exceligation, the web site coincides with Profit
Automotive Products at 1-888-422lence tool for every technician, shop
Boost’s commitment to provide leading
9099 or visit them on line at www.
manager/owner, and installer. Smart
web-based automotive software systems
smartblend.com.
Blend makes servicing automatic transto automotive professionals. The web site
missions and CVTs simpler and more
Transtar Announces
is powered by Autoshop Solutions, an
New Line of Complete
profitable.
automotive industry partner.
Automatic Transmissions
For more information call 1-888Profit Boost’s PIF Pro, the only
422-9099 or visit them on line at www.
Transtar Industries, Inc., the preweb-based software shop management
smartblend.com.
mier provider of world-class driveline
program for the automotive industry,
solutions, has just introduced its new
provides secure, protected shop manLarry Barnes Joins the
line of complete automatic transmisagement solutions. PIF Pro streamlines
Sales Team at Smart
sions. With the addition of this line,
the RO process and provides in-depth
Blend Synthetics
Transtar can now offer new solutions to
customer and vehicle tracking features.
Smart Blend Synthetics by Life
transmission shops.
“We are thrilled to be launching
Automotive Products is proud to
“I was talking to a shop owner the
our new web site,” said Scott Johnson,
announce the addition of Larry Barnes as
other day and his rebuilder was on vacaCEO. “Profit Boost is committed to
NEW PRODUCT RELEASE
2010 Smart Blend
ATF Service Guide &
Application Chart
GEARS April 2010
55
POWER INDUSTRY NEWS
developing leading software solutions
that help automotive and transmission shop owners succeed in this everchanging industry. Our new web site is
one piece of that plan. We have many
new features that will be announced at
this year’s annual ProfitBoost Training
Expo in Phoenix, April 21st to the
24th.”
Web-based software is needed now
more than ever. Real time information is essential and directly related to
bottom line profits. Connectivity with
other partners for marketing, credit
cards, online parts ordering, consulting,
technical information, and real time
financial information has made webbased online software an essential tool
for automotive business owners and
service writers.
Visit Profit Boost’s new site on line
at www.profitboost.com.
27 New Products
Available from Rostra
Transmission
Rostra Transmission announced
the addition of 27 new items to its
line of over 200 automotive transmission parts. The newly added products
include individual solenoids, kits, and
harnesses.
Leading the list is an improved
governor pressure solenoid for Chrysler
transmissions, fitting all years of the
Chrysler 46, 47, and 48RE transmissions. The enclosed can assembly
provides cleaner operation, improved
durability, longer life, quicker response
time, and increased fluid flow over the
OE unit.
The newly released kits include 15
complete solenoid kits for many late
model Toyota automatic transmissions,
a four-piece kit for the recently discontinued Ford A4LD solenoid parts, and
a solenoid kit for the 2000-07 Hyundai
Accent and other models.
Other products now available from
Rostra include a new universal external
wire harness repair kit and test harness for the General Motors 4L60-E,
4L80-E, 4T80-E, 4T65-E, 4T45-E and
Allison LT series transmissions, three
linear solenoids for the AW 55-50SN
automatic transmission, and two pressure switches for Honda 5-speed transmissions.
Rostra Transmission is the pow56
ertrain division of Rostra Precision
Controls, Inc. of Laurinburg, NC, and
is a leading manufacturer and distributor of OE transmission products for the
auto industry.
More information on these and
other new products can be found at
www.rostratransmission.com.
52-0275
AW 55-50
Ford A4LD
GM test harness
honda press switch
Hyundai
Jatco JF506-1
Jatco JF506-3
Jatco JF506-2
Toyota expaned
applications from 1999-on; Rostra
part numbers 52-0431, 52-0432 and
52-0433.
Toyota expanded coverage and
solenoid kits — 15 solenoid kits for
many late model Toyota automatic
transmissions. Complete kits available for the U140, U240, U340, U341,
U150, U151, A241, A245, A246, A247
and AW450-43LE transmissions.
Ford A4LD solenoid kit and case
connector — our four-piece kit includes
a 3-4 shift solenoid and valve, the lockup solenoid, and the three-prong casethrough electrical connector; Rostra
P/N 52-9005.
GM test harness/universal repair
harness — for 4L60-E, 4L80-E, 4T80E, 4T65-E, 4T45-E and Allison LT
series transmissions. Rostra P/N 3500083 includes 21 lead wires (all white)
for repairing GM’s most popular vehicles.
AW 55-50SN linear solenoids
— three linear solenoids for the AW
55-50SN automatic transmission;
Rostra part number 52-0458 (SLU),
52-0464 (SLS) and 52-0466 (SLT).
Honda pressure switches — two
pressure switches for the Honda 5-speed
transmissions; Rostra part numbers
50-1028 (38 PSI Green) and 50-1029
(33 PSI Black).
For more information on these and
other new products, visit Rostra online
at www.rostratransmission.com.
Sonnax TASC Force
Meets in Europe
Rostra Introduces New
Products Continued.
Improved governor pressure solenoid for Chrysler transmissions — fits
all Chrysler 46, 47 and 48RE (A500/
A518) transmission. Rostra part number 52-0275.
Hyundai A4BF3 solenoid kit —
fits 2000-07 Hyundai Accent and other
models. Rostra part number 52-9023
replaces OE part number 46313-22700
in all applications. This six-solenoid
kit comes with wire harness and casethrough connector.
Jatco JF506E solenoids — three
new solenoids are now available for the
Jatco JF506E transmission family. We
now offer the three-way shift solenoids
A, B & C for Mazda and Volkswagen
Sonnax Transmission Technical Specialist
Gregg Nader (center) and Technical Group
Manager Scott Jackson (right) led one
afternoon’s TASC Force workshop on valve
body reaming procedures, inspection and
vacuum testing. Here, Nader demonstrates a
Sonnax valve body reaming fixture.
The Sonnax TASC Force met in
Europe last month, bringing together
experts from 11 countries to tackle
industry developments and technical
challenges faced by today’s transmisGEARS April 2010
Adapt-A-Jack
Adapt-A-Jack
sion specialists.
The Sonnax TASC Force includes
Safety is the #1 priority on the shop floor.
experienced transmission rebuilders
Many automatic transmissions have irregularly shaped oil pans.
Safety is with
the #1apriority
on the shop floor.
and are
technicians
hands-on
Ford RWD’s
known for this,
typically
makingundernecessary the
Many
automatic
transmissions
have
irregularly
shaped
oil pans.
use of chunks
of
wood
to
level
the
unit
on
theindustry
jack to
ready
it
standing
of
the
latest
units
and
Ford RWD’s
are R&R
known
for this,
for installation.
Ask any
tech
and typically
they’remaking
likely necessary
to admit the
use
of
chunks
of
wood
to
level
the
unit
on
the
jack
to
ready
Working
closely
withwe find it
to how developments.
awkward this can be.
Unfortunately,
too often
for installation. Ask any R&R tech and they’re likely to admit
this outSonnax
when
we
hear
an
expletive
shortly
before
atoo
crash.
Or
to howdesign
awkward this
can be. Unfortunately,
often we find
engineers
and techniwhen the tech
outwhen
for awe
week
up withshortly
a strained
or, Or
thisisout
hear laid
an expletive
beforeback
a crash.
cians,
TASC
members
contribute
worst case,
their
career
isis ended.
when
the techForce
out for
a week laid up
with a strained back or,
worst case, their career is ended.
product
test new
products,
and
We decided
to putideas,
pen to paper
to solve
this problem.
We decided to put pen to paper to solve this problem.
troubleshoot
results,
thenthat
meet
on a been
We’ve developed
this sturdy
solution
has already
We’ve developed this sturdy solution that has already been
hailed as
the
new
shop findings.
item.
Adapt-A-Jack
is is
regular
basis
compare
hailed
as“must-have”
theto
new
“must-have”
shop item.
Adapt-A-Jack
designed todesigned
fit thetomost
air-assisted
undercar
fit thepopular,
most popular,
air-assisted
undercar
Ganzeboom
Transmissies
inNAPA.
transmissiontransmission
jacks: Gray,
Snap-on/Bluepoint
and NAPA.
jacks:
Gray,
Snap-on/Bluepoint
and
Almelo, Netherlands, hosted the January
22-23 meeting. For the first time, tradiAnswering challenges with profitable solutions.
challenges with
profitable
solutions.
tional Answering
participants
from
the
US and
Western Europe sat side by- side
with
- Eastern
their counterparts from
Europe
www.Adapt-A-Case.com
and the Middle East,
a reflection of
www.Adapt-A-Case.com
the automotive industry’s increasingly global nature. Attendees included
popular, air-assisted undercar transmisSonnax representatives as well as indision jacks: Gray, Snap-on/Bluepoint
viduals from Belgium, Germany, Latvia,
and NAPA.
Sweden, the Netherlands, Poland,
Answering challenges with profRussia, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the
itable solutions. www.Adapt-A-Case.
UK and the US.
com.
“Working with industry leaders in
the European automotive aftermarket
CORTECO Introduces
New GM 4T65E Kit
is one of the most important ways in
which Sonnax pursues timely, effecCORTECO now offers 4T65E kits
tive product development,” said Steve
with the molded rubber side cover gasket.
Jassaud, Sonnax VP of Sales. “The
TransTec® kit number 2549 covers the
recent TASC Force meeting was an
traditional 1997-up 4T65E found in General
Motors models; kit number 2550 covers
opportunity to demonstrate that we are
1999-up Volvo applications.
listening and responding with real soluBoth kits include the molded pan gastions for transmission rebuilders around
ket as well as the molded side cover gasthe world.”
ket.
Adapt-A-Jack,
Here’s what’s included in these kits:
Safety is #1
Safety is the #1 priority on the shop
floor. Many automatic transmissions
have irregularly shaped oil pans. Ford
RWD’s are known for this, typically
making necessary the use of chunks of
wood to level the unit on the jack to
ready it for installation. Ask any R&R
tech and they’re likely to admit to how
awkward this can be. Unfortunately,
too often we find this out when we hear
an expletive shortly before a crash. Or
when the tech is out for a week laid up
with a strained back or, worst case, their
career is ended.
We decided to put pen to paper to
solve this problem.
We’ve developed this sturdy solution that has already been hailed as the
new “must-have” shop item. AdaptA-Jack is designed to fit the most
GEARS April 2010
TransTec®
Description
Number
B29046
Front Seal
B29047
Left Axle Seal
B37024
Right Axle Seal
B36455
Molded Side Cover Gasket
B33212
Molded Pan Gasket
3448
Sealing Ring Kit
For more information, visit them
on line at www.TransTec.com.
Sonnax’s Green Initiative
On Dec. 30, 2009, Sonnax began generating electricity from the solar photovoltaic power-generation system installed
on the roof of its corporate headquarters
in Vermont. An impressive array of 424
photovoltaic
panels, which
can generate
up to 100KW
of electricity, was put in
place by groSolar® of White River Junction, Vt., on
some of the coldest days of the winter.
“This latest step in Sonnax’s Green
Initiative is good for our community,
good for our company and good for our
customers,” stated Sonnax CEO Tommy
Harmon. “Lower energy costs are just
one way we continue to reduce operating
costs and help keep prices in check.”
The company also began participating in a Power Shed Program in cooperation with the electric company. Under
this program, Sonnax will operate on
its generator when requested to help
reduce power consumption in the local
grid demand. All of these initiatives complement an ongoing commitment to recycling and minimizing material waste.
Transtar Promotes Nancy
Parker to VP of Corporate
Human Resources
Transtar Industries, Inc., the premier provider of world-class driveline
solutions, is pleased to announce the
promotion of Nancy Parker to vice president of corporate human resources.
Parker, with 20-plus years of
experience in HR management, joined
Transtar in December, 2006, as director
of human resources.
“Nancy is a highly experienced
HR professional,” said Greg Gyllstrom,
president and CEO of Transtar
Industries. “Her leadership was instrumental to the successful integration during our merger with Axiom Automotive
Technologies, Inc.”
Nancy’s manufacturing and distribution career includes plant, division and corporate level positions with
blue chip companies such as Cooper
Industries, Cummins Engine, Goodrich
Aerospace and Invacare. Nancy has a
BS degree in Biology/Psychology, and
a MA in labor relations/HR.
Transtar would like to congratulate
Nancy and looks forward to a thriving
future with her.
57
SHOPPER CLASSIFIED ADS
Quality PartsFair PricesExcellent Service
GEARS Shopper advertising costs $325.00 for a one time insertion ad, (2 1/4 X 3) 2.25 X 3. Larger ads can be placed
elsewhere in the magazine and are charged at comparable rates. Check or money order must accompany all orders.
For information on Shopper advertising in GEARS, contact GEARS, 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030, or call
(805) 604-2000.
ERIKSSON INDUSTRIES
Division of Wentworth Engineering
1-800-388-4418
Authorized
Parts Distributor
•Remanufactured Units
* DYNO TESTED*
•5HP30, 5HP24, 5HP19, 5HP18, 4HP24, 4HP22,
4HP18, 4HP14
•Specializing in SAAB 900/9000 5SP,
as well as T-37 A/T
•1 YEAR UNLIMITED MILE WTY•
• Hard Parts: NEW / USED / REMANUFACTURED
Soft Parts / Friction Kits / Steel Kits / Repair Manuals
DOMESTIC-FOREIGNAUTOMATIC-STANDARD
1946 - 2009
1-800-835-1007
• Lifetime Fluids / Rebuild Kits / Valvebody Kits
1-800-388-4418
Fax: (860) 395-0047
www.erikssonindustries.com
146B Elm St., Old Saybrook, CT 06475
**COMPUTERS**
Transmission Control Module
ECM & TCM
Mitsubishi-Honda-Hyundai-GEO
Kia-Mazda-Nissan-Suzuki-Toyota
BOSCH ECM
GM - Ford - Chrysler - Dodge
Next Day Air Shipping Available
One Year Warranty
Best Customer Service!
Ford *GM * Chrysler off vehicle
ECM reprogramming available
Heated Cooler
Line Flusher
800-725-6499
417-725-6400
Transmission
Dyno/CV
Tester
888-217-4072
Autocomp Technologies, Inc.
8515 N. Freeway, Houston, Texas
www.g-tec.com
E Call and
Foreign Make ON
or
m
Do estic
Find it All!
✔Automatic Soft Parts
✔Rebuilt Standards ✔Transfer Cases
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ted
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uilt
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s
Sanford, FL
866-798-8726
Tallahassee, FL
58
800-773-8726
Saucier, MS
GEARS April 2010
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BMW Mercedes-Benz Audi
Remanufactured to
Perfection
Hundreds of Transmissions in-stock.
Immediate installation available.
2 year unlimited warranty.
Dyno-tested.
Remanufactured torque converter included.
Toll free 800 - 372 - TRANS
1331 Rollins Road • Burlingame, CA 94010
tel 650 - 348 - 3990 fax 650 - 348 - 3019
ONE SOLUTION ONE SOURCE
•COMPLETE UNITS OR TRANSFER CASE PARTS
•NEW AND REBUILT TRANSMISSIONS
•OVER 1,000 AXLES IN STOCK
•REBUILD KITS IN STOCK
•UPS DAILY
•DAILY DELIVERIES TO YOUR DOOR
•STANDARD, EXTENDED & LIFETIME
WARRANTY OPTIONS
www.partsbyweller.com
(800) 822-2375
RatioTek™
Valve Body Kits
Easy to Install - Low Cost - Great Results
-- Kits At Part Suppliers Now --
RT 4F50N
™
Also fits AX4N
Billet retainers
your gonna love!
Saves main booster.
Includes a bypass
booster valve &
sleeve.
RT AX4S
™
Also fits AXODE
Includes a bypass
booster sleeve.
Saves main booster.
RT 4L60E
™
Fix Code
1870 Fast
Adjust 1-2
shift firmness
without removing VB.
RT E4OD/4R
™
Kit fits
E40D and
4R100
3 High Tech
Regulator Valves.
Adjust shift firmness.
www.ratiotek.com
GEARS April 2010
626-968-2754
59
SHOPPER CLASSIFIED ADS


GEARS Shopper advertising costs $325.00 for a one time insertion ad, (2 1/4 X 3) 2.25 X 3. Larger ads can be placed
elsewhere in the magazine and are charged at comparable rates. Check or money order must accompany all orders.
For information on Shopper advertising in GEARS, contact GEARS, 2400 Latigo Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93030, or call
(805) 604-2000.
WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED
FOREIGN & DOMESTIC
Fix it in less
than fifteen
minutes with
one of our
easy to use
kits.
Standard Transmissions
Transfer Cases
New & Used Parts
Rebuilt Units
*ONE CALL DOES IT ALL*
No machine
shop required.
CALL
Northland Transmission Inc.
Phone: 715-458-2617
BRIAN OR ALBERT
866-571-GEAR
Fax: 715-458-2611
4 3 2 7
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AAEQ Gears Ad 1-4 pg 031209:1-17 AAEQ Gears Ad
All parts are cleaned and inspected
We Ship Anywhere
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CORES
We’ve Got Yours!
With over 150,000 transmission,
engine, and internal part cores on the shelf, we
have the cores you need – ready to ship today!
Chicago, IL
800.426.8771
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Find vintage cores on *Memory Lane*
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GEARS April 2010
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61
SHOPPER CLASSIFIED
April 2010
GEARS classified advertising cost $95.00 for up to 50 words for a one time insertion. ATRA members are eligible to receive up to three (3) FREE classified
advertisements in GEARS annually (per 9 issues). Members wishing to place ads once their three FREE ads have been placed may do so at the cost listed above.
Ads exceeding the maximum word count will cost $1.50 for each additional word (not including phone number and address).
Largest Used
Hard Parts Supplier
in the US!
WE STOCK
VT25E,6L80E,6R60E,5R110W
USED & REBUILT PARTS
We offer a complete machine shop
for ALL of your rebuilding needs!
•
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USED, NEW AND REBUILT
FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC
RETAIL AND WHOLESALE
ONE CALL DOES IT ALL!
800-461-5396
We strip 400+ transmissions a day!
1.877.888.5160
fax 614.444.5165
Columbus, Ohio 43207
www.TransmissionHardParts.com
www.G-CorAutomotive.com
BUSINESS FOR SALE: Located
in
1/24/10
Lancaster, California – Transmission and Auto Repair Shop with a
6200 sq. ft. storage, and 1.75 acres
of land. All located on a main avenue. Plenty of room to work on vehicles, contains 7 car lifts (9,000lbs
capacity) plus a 18,000lbs truck lift.
Heated and air conditioned office
and waiting room. $975,000 OBO,
call Miguel at (661) 350-0171 or
email: [email protected].
ATRA Mbr
gcor_eighth_pg.indd 1
Over 200 electronic
parts covering more
than 500 different
vehicle applications
• Where you can buy them:
• Free technical advice:
• Free classified ads:
visit
Transmission.com
62
BUSINESS FOR SALE: Largest
Transmission and General Repair Center in sunny Saint Petersburg, Florida – 9700 sq. ft. building, 14 bays, 10 lifts, (9 -7000lbs,
2-9000lbs, 1- 25000lbs). Three air
condition offices and air condition
building room completely equipped.
Located on Route 19 main highway address 1201-34 Street South.
Same location, same owner and
ATRA member for 30 years. Low
cost transmission only 195K, long
term lease or building available.
Contact George Douglas, (727)
420-8558 or [email protected].
Owner retiring due to health.
ATRA Mbr
GEARS April 2010
2:18 PM
BUSINESS FOR SALE: Florida’s
West Coast. 38 year established
ATRA member business with two
buildings plus a half acre Real Estate in popular Beach area. Well
known & highly respected shop.
Can expand or rent 1 unit for income. Extensive equipment with
11 lifts plus a 30,000lbs Truck & RV
lift. Owner retiring. Business and
property priced right at $795,000
for complete Turnkey operation
ready to start making money!! Call
Pam Edgington, Prudential Florida
Realty (941) 812-6324. E-Mail [email protected]
Website:
www.gopam.com . ATRA Mbr
HELP WANTED: California – If you
are a technician with 2 to 3 years of
experience in rebuilding transmissions, doing diagnostics & general
repair, call Al at Al’s Transmissions
in Turlock, CA (209) 634-5229 or
fax resume to (209) 634-5257 today. All work areas are inside with
modern equipment and all rebuilding tools plus upgraded scanners
for diagnostic. You could be looking at long term employment in a
very clean work environment with a
guarantee of 32 hours per week if
willing to do odd jobs during slow
times. Hours 8:00 to 5:00, Monday
through Friday. For more information visit our website at: www.alstransmissions.com. ATRA Mbr
HELP WANTED: DFW Metroplex,
TX – High quality, well established
honest shop looking for a transmission technician and service manager. Tech must be experienced
and have strong diagnostic and
electrical skills.
Manager must
be honest and have good people
skills. Contact: North Texas Transmission, Inc. at (817) 265-0921.
Resume can be faxed to (817)
277-0049 or emailed to Richard@
northtexastransmission.com.
HELP WANTED: Repair facility located in Rancho Cucamonga,
California is seeking experienced
transmission R&R technician for
all makes and models. Knowledge of Honda/Acura Automobiles
and diagnostic experience preferred. Medical, Dental and 401K
benefits offered. Submit resume to
[email protected] or fax (909)
941-9460 attention: Rory. (Drug
Screen Required) ATRA Mbr
Subscribe Today!
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GEARS • 2400 LATIGO AVENUE • OXNARD, CALIFORNIA 93030
or call: (805)604-2000
U.S. $30 ~ Canada $45 ~ Other Areas $65
GEARS April 2010
63
ADVERTISERS
Name Page
ATRA ................................................................... 38, 39
members.atra.com
ATRAs Powertarin Expo 2010.............................49 - 52
members.atra.com
Arrow Uniform............................................................ 42
www.arrowuniform.com
Certified Transmission.................................................. 3
www.certifiedtransmissions.com
ETE Reman.................................................................. 5
www.enginetrans.com
EVT Parts................................................................... 33
www.evtparts.com
First National Merchant Solutions.............................. 43
www.fnms.com
Heffernan Group......................................................... 46
www.heffgroup.com
Jasper Engines & Transmissions............................. IBC
www.jasperengines.com
Life Automotive Products Inc...................................... 25
www.smartblend.com
LUBEGARD ® By International Lubricants, Inc..... OBC
www.lubegard.com
Precision European Inc.............................................. 63
www.peius.com
2010
CALENDAR
64
Name
Page
Precision International................................................ 31
www.transmissionkits.com
Raybestos Powertrain................................................ 13
www.raybestospowertrain.com
Seal Aftermarket Products-Parker
Hannifin Corporation............................................... 27
www.parker.com
Silver Star Transmission............................................ 43
www.silverstartransmission.com
Slauson Transmission Parts....................................... 37
www.slauson.com
Sonnax Industries..................................................... IFC
www.sonnax.com
SuperFlow Technologies Group................................. 42
www.superflow.com
Superior Transmission Parts...................................... 35
www.superior-transmission.com
Transtar Industries, Inc............................................. 7, 9
www.transtarindustries.com
TransTec By CORTECO............................................. 23
www.transtec.com
Whatever It Takes Transmission Parts, Inc................ 17
www.wittrans.com
2010
ATRA Technical Seminar Schedule
4/10/10
Minneapolis, MN
5/22/10
Dallas, TX
4/17/10
Boston, MA
8/7/10
Los Angeles, CA
5/1/10
Fremont, CA
9/9/10 – 9/12
ATRA's Powertrain Expo, San Antonio, TX
5/8/10
Denver, CO
9/25/10
Chicago, IL
5/15/10
Vancouver, BC
10/9/10
Portland, OR
5/22/10
Des Moines, IA
10/16/10
New York, NY
GEARS April 2010
jasper ibc.indd IBC2
1/8/09 9:03:00 AM
Recipient of the prestigious 2009 North American Automotive Lubricants Technology Award.
ONLY
The Only Synthetic Formula That Works as Hard as You.
www.Lubegard.com
©2010 ILI. All rights reserved.